U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

REPORT OF THE

TWENTY-THIRD NATIONAL CONFERENCE

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

\ ; ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES

FROM VARIOUS STATES

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C, JUNE 3, 4, 5, AND 6, 1930

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS, BUREAU OF STANDARDS, No. 116

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

R. P. LAMONT, Secretary BUREAU OF STANDARDS

GEORGE K. BURGESS. Director

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS—No. 116

REPORT OF THE

TWENTY-THIRD NATIONAL CONFERENCE

ON

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES

FROM VARIOUS STATES HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C, JUNE 3, 4, 5, and 6, 1 930

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 193!

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. Price 35 cents

OFFICEBS AND COMMITTEES

OFFICERS

Honorary president, Samuel W. Stratton, chairman of the executive committee,

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., and former Director

of the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. (Serving during twenty-third national conference)

President, George K. Burgess, Director, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. First vice president, Francis Meredith, director, State division of standards, Boston, Mass. Second vice president, Howard S. Jarrett, State commissioner of weights and

measures, Charleston, W. Va.

Secretary, F. S. Holbrook, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Treasurer, George F. Austin, sealer of weights and measures, Detroit, Mich.

(As elected by twenty-third national conference for the ensuing year)

President, George K. Burgess, Director, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. First vice president, Howard S. Jarrett, State commissioner of weights and

measures, Charleston, W. Va. Second vice president, Albert B. Smith, director, State bureau of standard

weights and measures, Harrisburg, Pa.

Secretary, F. S. Holbrook, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Treasurer, George F. Austin, Jr., assistant supervisor, bureau of weights and

measures, Detroit, Mich.* COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(As elected by twenty-third national conference)

George K. Burgess

Howard S. Jarrett Albert B. Smith )» Ex officio. F. S. Holbrook

George F. Austin, Jr. William F. Cluett, chief deputy inspector of weights and measures, Chicago, 111. E. J. Crouch, director, State bureau of weights and measures, Boise, Idaho. H. N. Davis, deputy State commissioner of weights and measures, Montpelier, Vt.

C. V. Fickett, sealer of weights and measures, Portland, Me. Thomas Flaherty, city and county sealer of weights and measures, San Francisco, Calif.

J. Harry Foley, State superintendent of weights and measures, Trenton, N. J. William Foster, sealer of weights and measures, Springfield, Mass. William A. Graham, State commissioner of agriculture, Raleigh, N. C.

S. T. Griffith, chief, division of weights and measures, Baltimore, Md.

T. F. Mahoney, sealer of weights and measures, Chattanooga, Tenn. Edward J. Maroney, sealer of weights and measures, New Haven, Conn.

I, L. Miller, State commissioner of weights and measures, Indianapolis, Ind.

C. R. McFadden, sealer of weights and measures of Licking County, Pataskala,

Ohio. William A. Payne, sealer of weights and measures of Monroe County,

Rochester, N. Y. B. W. Ragland, chief, bureau of weights and measures, Richmond, Va. George M. Roberts, superintendent of weights, measures, and markets, Washington, D. C. William F. Steinel, sealer of weights and measures, Milwaukee, Wis.

V. A. Stovall, chief State inspector of weights and measures, Austin, Tex,

Harold A. Webster, State commissioner of weights and measures, Concord, N. H.

S. H. Wilson, State oil chemist, Atlanta, Ga. in
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

COMMITTEE ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

( Standing committee

)

F. S. Holbeook, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. William F. Cluett, chief deputy inspector of weights and measures, Chicago, 111. Charles M. Fuller, city and county sealer of weights and measures, Los

Angeles, Calif. A. W. Schwartz, assistant State superintendent of weights and measures,

Elizabeth, N. J.

I. L. Miller. State commissioner of weights and measures. Indianapolis. Ind. COMMITTEE ON UNIFORMITY IN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REQUIREMENTS

(Standing committee)

J. H. Meek, director State division of markets, Richmond, Va.

P. D. Dukesherer, director State bureau of foods and standards, Lansing. Mich. D. E. Fitzgerald, sealer of weights and measures. Racine. Wis.

Philip T. Pilon, Srate inspector of weights and measures. Hartford. Conn. Albert B. Smith, director State bureau of standard weights and measures.

Harrisburg, Pa.

C. P. Smith, sealer of weights and measures of Suffolk County, Riverhead. N. Y. V. A. Stovall. chief State inspector of weights and measures. Austin, Tex. ACTING COMMITTEES FOR THE TWENTY-THIRD NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Committee on resolutions.—A. B. Smith, P. D. Dukesherer, J. H. Foley.

S. H. Wilson, Thomas Flaherty. S. T. Griffith. J. A. Sweeney.

Committee on nominations.—Francis Meredith, I. L. Miller, George

Warner. W. A. Payne, B. W. Ragland.

OFFICIAL STENOGRAPHER

Norman L. Knauss, Bureau of Standards. Washington, D. C.
LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE

DELEGATES—STATE. COUNTY, AND CITY OFFICIALS

ALABAMA

City : Birmingham R. C. Sharp, chief inspector of weights and

measures, room 200, City Hall. CALIFORNIA

City and County : Los Angeles Charles M. Fuller, sealer of weights and

measures. 230 Court Street, Los Angeles.

San Francisco Thomas Flaherty, sealer of weights and measures, room 0, City Hall, San Francisco. CONNECTICUT

State Philip T. Pilox. inspector of weights and

measures, 100 'Washington Street, Hartford.

City

:

Bridgeport Dexxis Kelly, sealer of weights and measures. Hartford Louis Elsxer, sealer of weights and measures,

550 Main Street. New Haven Edward J. Maroxey. sealer of weights and

measures. City Hall. County

:

Fairfield William H. Brown, sealer of weights and

measures. County Courthouse. Bridgeport.

Hartford Milo C. Griffix, sealer of weights and measures, 95 Washington Street. Hartford. Middlesex G. Erxest Huebard. sealer of weights and

measures, Middletown.

New Haven William P. Tyler, sealer of weights and measures. County Courthouse. New Haven. DELAWARE

County : Sussex Dallas M. Rogers, regulator of weights and

measures, Georgetown. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

District W. C. Diller. chief inspector of weights, measures, and markets. District Building, Washington.

George A. Howe, inspector of weights, measures, and markets, District Building, Washington.

G. Stuart Reeder, inspector of weights, measures, and markets. District Building, Washington.

GEORGIA

State S. H. Wilson, State oil chemist, room 37, State

Capitol, Atlanta. IDAHO

State Erxest J. Crouch, director bureau of weights

and measures, room 108. Statehouse, Boise.
LIST OF PET! SONS ATT EN DING THE CONFERENCE

ILLINOIS

State W. T. Fossett, superintendent of standards room 214, State Capitol, Springfield. Mrs. Ethel Pass, secretary to superintendent

of standards, room 214, State Capitol, Springfield. INDIANA

State : I. L. Miller, commissioner of weights and

measures, room 201, Statehouse Annex,

Indianapolis.

City: South Bend Charles J. Burns, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. County: Huntington Deforest McLin, sealer of weights and measures, Huntington.

KENTUCKY

City: Louisville E. F. Knatjer, chief inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. MAINE

City:

Portland C. V. Fickett, sealer of weights and measures,

City Building.

Skowhegan Joseph H. Murray, sealer of weights and measures. Waterville William A. Jones, sealer of weights and measures. MARYLAND

City: Baltimore S. T. Griffith, chief, division of weights and

measures, City Hall. William A. Clubb, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. Charles G. Crockett, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. James T. Everett, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. William H. Larrimore, inspector of weights

and measures, City Hall. George H. Leithauser, inspector of weights

and measures, City Hall. Thomas J. Napfel, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. Elmer S. Pierpont, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. Charles Rusteberg, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. Henry Seltzer, assistant inspector of weights

and measures, City Hall. Charles Zuschlag, inspector of weights and

measures, City Hall. MASSACHUSETTS

State - Francis Meredith, director of standards, room

194, Statehouse, Boston. Adelbert L. Jones, inspector of standards, room

194, Statehouse, Boston.

City:

Arlington Allan E. Cowie, sealer of weights and measures, Town Hall. Boston James A. Sweeney, sealer of weights and measures, City Hall Annex.

Springfield William Foster, sealer of weights and measures, room 9, Administration Building. Worcester Homer J. Melidy, deputy sealer of weights and

measures, City Hall.
LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE VII MICHIGAN

Peter D. Dukesherer, director, bureau of foods and standards, Lansing.

George F. Austin, Jr., assistant supervisor, bu- reau of weights and measures, 1300 Beaubien

Street. George W. Mahn, sealer of weights and measures, City Hall, Saginaw.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

City: Manchester Arthur J. Proyencher, sealer of weights and

measures. NEW JERSEY

State J. Harry Foley, superintendent of weights and

measures, Trenton. Elliott B. Holton, assistant superintendent of weights and measures, Trenton. Harry S. Provost, assistant superintendent of weights and measures, Trenton. Joseph G. Rogers, assistant superintendent of weights and measures, Trenton.

A. W. Schwartz, assistant superintendent of weights and measures, Elizabeth. Walter J. Flynn, superintendent of weights

and measures, Municipal Building.

. William J. Bender, superintendent of weights

and measures, Harmonia Building.

. James E. Fitzgerald, superintendent of weights

and measures, City Hall.

. John S. Burke, superintendent of weights and

measures, City Hall.

. John D. Casti.es, superintendent of weights and

measures, Town Hall.

. Patrick J. Caufield, superintendent of weights

and measures, City Hall.

. Francis J. Black, superintendent of weights

and measures, City Hall.

. A. F. Barnard, superintendent of weights and

measures, 29 Main Street, Hackensack.

. Gilbert S. Smith, superintendent of weights

and measures, Avalon.

. William P. Abdill, superintendent of weights

and measures, Woodbury.

. Thomas J. Waldron, superintendent of weights

and measures, Courthouse, Jersey City.

. Ralph M. Bodenwieser, superintendent of weights and measures, Courthouse, Trenton.

. Joseph Fertig, superintendent of weights and

measures, 184 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Monmouth Robert M. Marks, assistant superintendent of weights and measures, Manasquan.

Morris Henry S. Worman, superintendent of weights

and measures, Boonton. Sussex R. Lee Slater, superintendent of weights and

measures, Newton. Union Isaac Seeley, superintendent of weights and

and measures, Courthouse, Elizabeth.

State City: Detroit

City and County : Saginaw

City

:

Bayonne

Elizabeths

Englewood . Jersey City.

Kearny

Newark

Trenton County

:

Bergen

Cape May..

Gloucester- Hudson

Mercer

Middlesex--
VIII LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE

NEW YORK

State _ C. P. Norgord, assistant commissioner of agri- culture and markets, Albany.

City: Rochester J. H. Stephenson, sealer of weights and measures. County

:

Allegany Allen W. Corwin, sealer of weights and measures, 21 Osborn Street, Wellsville. Monroe W. A. Payne, sealer of weights and measures, 305 Terminal Building, Rochester. H. W. Sherman, deputy sealer of weights and

measures, 305 Terminal Building, Rochester. Rockland Thomas L. Shankey, sealer of weights and

measures, Haverstraw.

Suffolk C. P. Smith, sealer of weights and measures, Riverhead.

NORTH CAROLINA

State William H. Richardson, editor, department of agriculture, Raleigh.

OHIO

J. C. Tinkey? deputy sealer of weights and

measures, Columbus.

G. A. Votaw, commissioner of markets, weights,

and measures.

C. R. McFadden, deputy sealer of weights and

measures, Pataskala. PENNSYLVANIA

State Albert B. Smith, director bureau of standard weights and measures, Harrisburg.

Oscar B. Baker, assistant director, bureau of standard weights and measures, Harrisburg.

City

:

Philadelphia Conyers B. Graham, chief clerk, bureau of weights and measures, room 305, City Hall. Woodward Abrahams, district supervisor, bu- reau of weights and measures, room 305, City

HalL

Jacob M. Vanderslice, district supervisor, bu- reau of weights and measures, room 305, City

Hall. Charles C. Miller, inspector, bureau of weights

and measures, room 305, City Hall. York D. L. Stouch, inspector of weights and measures, 460 West Market Street. County

:

Allegheny Thomas L. Howard, chief inspector of weights

and measures, Courthouse, Pittsburgh.

Dauphin John E. Bowers, inspector of weights and measures, 13 South Third Street, Harrisburg.

Lehigh ^ Harry E. Bxery, inspector of weights and measures, Courthouse, Alientown.

City and County

:

Beaver Falls and Beaver Chester Rimby, inspector of weights and measCounty. ures, Beaver Falls. Easton and Northampton John J. Weppel, inspector of weights and

County. measures, Courthouse, Easton. RHODE ISLAND

City: Providence . Louis B. Jones, superintendent of weights and

measures.

State City: Cleveland County: Licking
LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE IX TENNESSEE

City : Chattanooga T. F. Mahoney, sealer of weights and measures.

City Hall. TEXAS

state V. A. Stoyall, chief inspector of weights and

measures* Austin. UTAH

City: Salt Lake City B. E). Nebeker, superintendent of weights and

measures and oil inspection. Safety Building.

VERMONT

State C. R. White, commissioner of weights and measures, Montpelier. H. N. Davis, deputy commissioner of weights

and measures, Montpelier.

VIEGINIA

J. H. Meek, director division of markets. 1030

State Office Building, Richmond.

H. G. Covxlle, field representative, division of markets, 1030 State Office Building, Rich- mond.

R. E. Hall. Jr., sealer of weights and measures.

City Hall. George S. Dyer, sealer of weights and measures.

B. W. Ragland, chief, bureau of weights and

measures. 314 City Hall Annex. WEST VIRGINIA

State Howard S. Jarrett. commissioner of weights

and measures, Charleston.

P. R. Edler. inspector of weights and measures,

Charleston.

P. T. Sullivan, inspector of weights and measures, 1110 Fifth Street, Moundsville.

WISCONSIN

State George W. Warxer, chief inspector of weights

and measures, Capitol Building, Madison.

City

:

Milwaukee William F. Steixel, sealer of weights and

measures, 421 Fifth Street. West Allis Erwix J. Rogers, sealer of weights and measures. OTHEB DELEGATES, AND GUESTS APPEARING ON THE PPvOGHAM

Barrett. Herbert F.. assistant sales manager, Buffalo Meter Co.. 2917 Main

Street, Buffalo, N. Y. Bean, H. S., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Bearce. H. W.. Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Blaxchard, R. K., vice president Neptune Meter Co., 50 East Fortv-second

Street, New York, N. Y. Burgess, Dr. George K., Director Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Curtis, W. H., research engineer. National Recording Pump Co., Dayton, Ohio. Dartt, Carl E., president Columbia Scale Co., 634-644 Whitiock Avenue, New

York, N. Y. Gould, R. E., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.

stateCity:

Charlottesville- Danville

Richmond
X LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE

Griffith, C. P., engineer, S. F. Bowser & Co. (Inc.), Fort Wayne, Ind. Hadlick, Paul E., secretary, division of marketing, American Petroleum Institute, 250 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y. Harrison, M. J. J., chairman committee on specifications, National Scale Men's

Association, Union Station, Chicago, 111. Hitzeman, A. P., chief engineer The Wayne Co., Fort Wayne, Ind. Holbrook, F. S., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Hubbard, H. D., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Judson, L. V., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Klein, Hon. Julius, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Washington, I). C. Lohmann, Henry, National Association of Retail Grocers, 8614 Ninety-first

Avenue, Woodhaven, N. Y. MaoLean, Allen D., chief engineer Pittsburg Equitable Meter Co., 400 North

Lexington Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Miller, D. R., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Palmer, Arthur W., chief, division of cotton marketing, Bureau of Agricultural

Economics, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Pakry, William, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Peffer, E. L., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Perkins, Hon. Randolph, chairman Committee on Coinage, Weights, and

Measures, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Pienkowsky, A. T., Bureau of Standards. Washington, D. C. Richard, C. L., Bureau of Standards Master Scale Depot, Clearing Station,

Chicago, 111. Roeser, H. M., Bureau of Standards Master Scale Depot, Clearing Station. Chicago, 111. Smith, Ralph W., Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Spilman, H. A., senior marketing specialist, Bureau of Agricultural Economics.

United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Solder, Wilmer, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Ward, Robert J., gasoline meter division, Worthington Pump & Machinery

Corporation, Harrison, N. J. GUESTS REPRESENTING MANUFACTURERS

Becker, Christian (Inc.) : C. A. Becker, 147 Eight Street, Jersey City, N. J. Black & Decker Manufacturing Co. : E. E. Powell, traffic engineer, Towson. Md.

Bowser, S. F., & Co. (Inc.) : Dan. G. Mllligan, vice president, Fort Wayne, Ind.

C. P. Griffith, engineer, Fort Wayne, Ind. Buffalo Meter Co. : Herbert F. Barrett, assistant sales manager, 2917 Main

Street, Buffalo, N. Y.

Chatillon, John, & Sons:

P. T. Bortell, sales manager, 89 Cliff Street, New York, N. Y. W. T. Haydock, 89 Cliff Street, New York, N. Y.

J. George Hugel, 89 Cliff Street. New York, N. Y. Columbia Scale Co. (Inc.) : Carl E. Dartt, president, 0o4-644 Whitlock Avenue, New York, N. Y. Continental Scale Works: M. J. Weber, vice president, 5701 South (Tareniont

Avenue, Chicago, 111. Davis Welding & Manufacturing Co.: E. W. Schutte, secretary-treasurer, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dayton Pump & Manufacturing Co. : C. C. Heller, service manager, 500 Webster Street, Dayton, Ohio. Dover Stamping & Manufacturing Co. : Louis S. Cleaves, vice president, 385 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, Mass.

Erie Meter Systems (Inc.) : G. W. McDougale, sales manager, Erie, Pa. Exact Weight Scale Co. : John G. Sims, vice president, 944 West Fifth Avenue,

Columbus, Ohio. Fairbanks, Morse & Co.

:

H. L. Hilleary, district manager, railroad division, 160 Varick Street, New York, N. Y. E. P. Vroome, sales engineer, 160 Varick Street, New York, N. Y.

C. A. Hennie, scale department manager, 115 East Lombard Street, Bal- timore, Md.
LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE XI

Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co.

:

J. A. Logan, chief engineer, Springfield, Mass.

G. C. Roberts, general sales manager, Springfield, Mass. H. W. Lipman, salesman. Springfield, Mass. Gray Co., The : Haery D. Smith, 2401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Gurley, W. & L. E. : W. L. Egy, engineer, 514 Fulton Street, Troy, N. Y. Hollingshead, R. M., Co.

:

R. M. Bagley, vice president, Camden, N. J. Leslie A. Thompson, railroad sales manager, Camden, N. J. Howe Scale Co.: C. A. Lindsay, branch manager, 415 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

International Business Machines Corporation:

S. M. Templeton, vice president. Dayton Scale Co. division, Dayton, Ohio. U. Ratff, chain-store manager, Dayton Scale Co. division, 270 Broadway,

New York, N. Y. Harry S. Evans, Washington manager, 816 Fourteenth Street. Washington.

D. C. W. G. Egerton, Washington manager, Dayton Scale Co. division, 816 Fourteenth Street, Washington, D. C. Jacobs Bros. Co. (Inc.) : H. M. Jacobs, secretary-treasurer, 32 Walton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Charles Richard Brody, assistant general manager, 32 Walton Street. Brooklyn, N. Y.

J. E. Woodland, sales manager, detectogram division, 32 Walton Street. Brooklyn, N. Y. Kellogg Manufacturing Co. : J. K. Gilchrist, sales-promotion manager, 97 Humboldt Street, Rochester, N. Y. LNS Corporation

:

A. A. Hodgkins. 71 Murray Street, New York. N. Y. Bjornulf Johnsen, mechanical engineer, 71 Murray Street, New York, N. Y. Logan Allington Co. : E. W. Allington, secretary, 135 East Forty-second Street, New York, N. Y. Mathewson Machine Works: W. B. Mathewsov, Quincy. Mass. Measuregraph Co. : E. A. Powell, service manager, 3905 Belle Avenue, Balti- more, Md.

Moore & Kling ( Inc. ) : Elmer M. Kling, Boston, Mass. National Pipe Products Corporation

:

W. S. Townsend, chairman board of directors. Rochester, Pa. Lyon McCandless, Rochester, Pa. National Recording Pump Co. : W. H. Curtis, research engineer, Dayton, Ohio. Neptune Meter Co.: R. K. Blanchard, vice president, 50 East Forty-second Street. New York.

N. Y.

F. R. Gammon, sales engineer, 50 East Forty-second Street, New York, N. Y. Ohmer Fare Register Co.

:

Robert B. Alexander, branch manager, 1632 Fourteenth Street, Washington, D. C. B. C. Palmer, sales engineer, New York, N. Y.

Oil Station Engineering Co. : Harry D. Smith, president, 2401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Peerless Weighing Machine Co. : E. M. Schiemer, district manager, 245 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. Pittsburgh Equitable Meter Co.

:

Allen D. MacLean, chief engineer, 400 North Lexington Avenue, Pitts- burgh, Pa. H. I. Beardsley, manager, oil and gasoline meter division, 400 North

Lexington Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Horace Chrisman, engineer. 400 North Lexington Avenue. Pittsburgh, Pa. Roy Manufacturing Co. : Frank J. Oldfield, vice president, 230 Water Street, Quincy, Mass.

St. Louis Pump & Equipment Co. : Harry D. Smith. 2401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Sanitary Scale Co.: Anson G. Sener, vice president, 11 West Forty-second

Street, New York, N. Y. Seederer-Kohlbusch (Inc.) : Edwin C. Smith, sales manager, 149 New York

Avenue, Jersey City, N. J.
XII LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE

Seraphin Manufacturing Co.: Theo. A. Seraphin, president, 1314 North Sev- enth Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Service Station Equipment Co.

:

C. E. Weaver, manager, gasoline pump division, room 302, 32 Broadway,

New York, N. Y.

F. O. Sallee, division manager, 1002 American Building, Baltimore, Md.

Sexton Can Co. : Frank A. Johnson, salesman, Boston, Mass. Standard Computing Scale Co.: W. Tom White, factory representative, 2401 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Mich.

Tokheim Oil Tank & Pump Co.: M. B. Muxen, president, Fort Wayne, Ind. Chester C. Oherly, sales manager, Fort Wayne, Ind. R. E. Langston, engineer, Fort Wayne, lud. W. M. Frazier, district manager, Baltimore, Md.

Toledo Scale Co.: C. C. Neale, special representative, Toledo, Ohio. Torsion Balance Co. : A. T. Millroy, 92 Reade Street, New York, N. Y. Triner Scale & Manufacturing Co. : J. M. Triner, president and treasurer, 2714 West Twenty-first Street, Chicago, 111. Universal Lubricating Devices (Inc.) : Richard Betz, service manager, 597 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

E. A. Lusher, factory representative, 597 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Universal Pump & Tank Corporation

:

F. Charlton, president, 3860 East Ninety-first Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

C. Spaeth, 3860 East Ninety-first Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Veeder Root (Inc.) : L. W. Stevens, factory superintendent, Hartford, Conu. Wayne Co., The

:

A. D. Carriger, vice president, 1780 Broadway, New York, N. Y. A. P. HiTZEMAN, chief engineer, Fort Wayne, Ind. R. A. Dempsey, district manager, 624 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 111. C. B. Harwell, district manager, Philadelphia, Pa. M. C. Brown, 1414 Girard Street, NE., Washington, D. C. Worthington Pump & Machinery Corporation : Robert J. Ward, gasoline meter

division, Harrison, N. J. GUESTS REPRESENTING TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

American Petroleum Institute: Paul E. Hadlick, secretary, division of marketing, 250 Park Avenue, New

York, N. Y. David V. Stroop, engineer, 250 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y. National Association of Retail Grocers : Henry Lohmann, 8614 Ninety-first

Avenue, Woodhaven, N. Y. GUESTS REPRESENTING RAILROADS AND WEIGHING

DEPARTMENTS

Dean, T. O., superintendent of scales. Texas & Pacific Railway, Dallas, Tex. Dugan, J. W., chief, weighing bureau, St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad, Spring,

field, Mo.

Ecker, George M., scale inspector. Central Railroad of New Jersey. Mauch

Chunk, Pa. Epright, A. W., superintendent scales and weighing, Pennsylvania Railroad,

Altoona, Pa. Goe, R. B., supervisor weighing and inspection, Illinois Central Railroad,

Chicago, 111. Harrison, M. J. J., general scale inspector, Pennsylvania Railroad. Chicago, 111. Hicks, B. L., supervisor of weights, Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau,

1800 Transportation Building, Chicago, 111. Hosford, C. C, general scale inspector, Pennsylvania Railroad, Pittsburgh, Pa. Klotz, William G., superintendent of scales, Missouri Pacific Lines of Texas, 204 Union Station, Houston, Tex. Ladd, M. H., chief weigher, Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee, Wis.

Lawrence, E. Kent, general scale inspector, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Balti- more, Md.

Mann, C. H., superintendent of scales, Southern Railway System. Washington,

D. C.
LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE XIII MoKay, W. M., scale inspector, Missouri Pacific Railroad, St. Louis, Mo.

Pettis, C, general scale inspector, New York Central Railroad, Rochester, N. Y. Pheeigo, J. L., chief scale inspector, Southern Railway, McPherson Square,

Washington, D. C. Schlinkert, F. H., superintendent of scales, Missouri Pacific Railroad, 1200

Missouri Pacific Building, St. Louis, Mo. Welsh, Robeet C, general scale inspector, Pennsylvania Railroad, Harris.

burg, Pa. GUESTS REPRESENTING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

Briggs, C. A., livestock weight supervisor, Bureau of Animal Industry, United

States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. De Mayola, Ernest A., Bureau of Public Roads, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Gekdes, Francis L., junior agricultural economist, United States Department

of Agriculture, 300 Linworth Place SW., Washington, D. C. Spilman, H. A., senior marketing specialist, Bureau of Agricultural Economics,

United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Palmer, Arthur W., chief, division of cotton marketing, Bureau of Agricultural

Economics, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D, C. OTHER GUESTS

Baker, B. E., Standard Oil Co. of New York, 230 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y. French, G., Sinclair Refining Co., 45 Nassau Street, New York, N. Y. Jacobs, Edith G., secretary Scale Journal Publishing Co., 309 South LaSalle

Street, Chicago, 111. Kerns, F. C, superintendent lubricating sales, The Texas Co., 135 East Forty- second Street, New York, N. Y. Lyons, John F., supervisor weights and measures department, American

Stores Co., 419 North Nineteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa. MacDermott, F. N., sales department, Atlantic Refining Co., 260 South Broad

Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Malone, H. B., director of purchases Sinclair Refining Co., 45 Nassau Street, New York, N. Y. Marchant, Harry, scale inspector, Bethlehem Steel Co., Sparrows Point, Md.

Morris, Homer I., Sun Oil Co., 1608 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Round, George A., assistant chief, engineering division, Vacuum Oil Co., 61 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Russell, Samuel, 109 First Street NE., Washington, D. C. Saybolt, J. W., sales manager Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey, 26 Broadway,

New York, N. Y. Taliaferro, Lindsay C, service-station department, Standard Oil Co. of New

Jersey, Standard Oil Building, Baltimore, Md.
CONTENTS

First Session (Morning1 of Tuesday, June 3, 1930)

Page

Opening address by the president, Dr. George K. Burgess 1 Abstracts of State reports: Alabama, R. C. Sharp 8

California, J. S. Casey 8 Connecticut, Philip T. Pilon 9 Delaware 9 District of Columbia 9 Georgia, S. H. Wilson 9 Idaho, Ernest J. Crouch 9

IUinois, W. T. Fossett 9 Indiana, I. L. Miller 10 Kentucky 10 Maine 10 Maryland, S. T. Griffith 10 Massachusetts, Francis Mereditn 11 Michigan, Peter D. Dukesherer 11 New Hampshire 11 New Jersey, J. Harry Foley 11 New York, C. P. Norgord 11 North Carolina, William H. Richardson 12 Ohio, J. C. Tinkey 12 Pennsylvania, Albert B. Smith 12 Rhode Island, Louis B. Jones 12 Tennessee, T. F. Mahonev 13 Texas, V. A. Stovall 13 Utah, B. D. Nebeker 13 Announcement and motion 13 Second Session (Afternoon of Tuesday, June 3, 1930)

Abstracts of State reports—Continued:

Vermont, H. N. Davis 14

Virginia, J. H. Meek 14 West Virginia, Howard S. Jarrett 14 Wisconsin, George Warner 15 Abstracts of reports of representatives of State associations of weights

and measures officials: Indiana Association of Inspectors of Weights and Measures, I. L. Miller 15 Massachusetts Association of Sealers of Weights and Measures,

Homer J. Melidy 15 Michigan State, County, and City Sealers' Association, George W.

Malm 15 New Jersey Weights and Measures Association, Joseph G. Rogers, 15 New York State Association of Sealers of Weights and Measures,

J. H. Stephenson 16 Ohio Sealers' Association, J. C. Tinkey 16 Notes on grease-measuring devices, by "Ralph W. Smith, Bureau of Standards 16 Discussion of above paper 21 The sale of cotton by net weight and the standardization of the bale, by Arthur W. Palmer, chief, division of cotton marketing, Bureau of Agricultural Economics, United States Department of Agriculture 22

Discussion of above paper 28 XIV
CONTENTS XV

Page

Cooperation with weights and measures officials, by Paul E. Hadlick,

representing the American Petroleum Institute 29

Discussion of above paper 32 Report of committee on specifications and tolerances on modification of specifications for grease-measuring devices, presented by F. S. Holbrook,

chairman 41 Third Session (Morning of Wednesday, June 4, 1930)

Report of committee on specifications and tolerances on specifications

and tolerances for odometers, presented by F. S. Holbrook, chairman. _ 43

Discussion of above report 44 Address by the chairman of the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and

Measures, House of Representatives, Hon. Randolph Perkins 46 Some observations on weights and measures administration, by C. P. Norgord, assistant commissioner of agriculture and markets, State of New

York 48

The standard container act of 1928, by H. A. Spilman, senior marketing

specialist, Bureau of Agricultural Economics, United States Department of Agriculture 53 Address by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Hon. Julius Klein 57

Fixing of effective date of specifications and tolerances for grease-measuring devices 63

Discussion of paper on standard container act of 1928 65 Appointment of committees 65 The sale of chemically treated coal, by I. L. Miller, commissioner of weights and measures, State of Indiana 66 The retail grocer, by Henry Lohmann, representing the National Association of Retail Grocers 69

Discussion of above paper 72 Fourth Session (Afternoon of Wednesday, June 4, 1930) Tour of the laboratories of the Bureau of Standards 73 Fifth Session (Morning of Thursday, June 5, 1930)

The inspection of weights and measures in pharmacies, by George F. Austin, jr., assistant supervisor, bureau of weights and measures, Detroit, Mich 74

Discussion of above paper 77 Report of committee on specifications and tolerances on specifications

and tolerances for automatic-indicating scales, presented by F. S. Holbrook, chairman 79

Discussion of above report 80

The suppression of fraudulent practices, by J. M. Vanderslice, district supervisor, bureau of weights and measures, city and county of Philadelphia, Pa 86

Discussion of above paper 89 The annual report of the official: Discussion of the scope and preparation of the report, by H. S. Jarrett, commissioner of weights and measures, State of West Virginia 92 Graphical presentation of data, by Henry D. Hubbard, Bureau of Standards 95 Demonstration of gasoline meters by manufacturers 104 Sixth Session (Afternoon of Thursday, June 5, 1930)

Demonstration of gasoline meters by manufacturers (continued) 105

Discussion of above number 105

Air releases on power-operated gasoline-dispensing units, by A. W.

Schwartz, assistant superintendent, department of weights and measures,

State of New Jersey 105

Testing vehicle-tank meters, by Massachusetts inspectors of standards.- 108

Discussion of above paper _ 111

Calibrating vehicle-tank compartments by liquid meters, by H. N. Davis,

deputy commissioner of weights and measures, State of Vermont 112

Discussion of above paper 114
XVI CONTENTS

Page

Calibrating vehicle tanks by large-capacity measures, by S. T. Griffith, chief, division of weights and measures, city of Baltimore, Md 115

Citation by weights and measures officials of important court decisions

in their jurisdictions 120 Announcements 121 Seventh Session (Morning of Friday, June 6, 1930)

Report of committee on specifications and tolerances on modification of various codes, presented by F. S. Holbrook, chairman 122 The use and abuse of person-weighing scales, by Carl E. Dartt, president

Columbia Scale Co 126

Discussion of above paper 128 Log rules, by A. W. Corwin, sealer of weights and measures, countv of Allegany, N. Y 128 Motion in relation to special expenditure 133 Side-beam and hidden-weight scales, by J. C. Tinkey, deputy sealer of weights and measures, State of Ohio 134

Standardization activities of the National Scale Men's Association, by

M. J. J. Harrison, chairman, committee on specifications, National

Scale Men's Association 136 Report of committee on uniformity in weights and measures requirements, 141 General consideration of subjects of interest and questions brought up for discussion by officials 141 Resignation of the treasurer, George F. Austin 142 Report of committee on nominations, presented by Francis Meredith,

chairman, and election of officers 143 Report of committee on resolutions, presented by Albert B. Smith, chair- man:

Address of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Hon. Julius Klein, _ 143 Address of Hon. Randolph Perkins 143 Appreciation to the Director and staff of the Bureau of Standards — 144 Retirement of George F. Austin 144 Chemically treated coal 144

Lubricating-oil bottles not complying with specifications 144 Molds and machine-filled cartons for ice cream 144 Appreciation to manufacturers demonstrating gasoline meters 145 Commendation to far-western States for representation at conference. 145 George Washington Bicentennial 145 Appreciation to headquarters hotel management 146 Appreciation to the press 146 Discussion of report of committee on resolutions — 146 Resolution in relation to standardization activities of the National Scale Men's Association 147 Report of the treasurer, George F. Austin 147 Wreath in memory of Louis A. Fischer 147 Motion in relation to expenditures 148 Suggestion as to program of twenty-fourth conference:

Desirability of specifications and tolerances for person-weighing

scales 148 APPENDIX

Specifications and tolerances for automatic-indicating scales, adopted by

the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, June 5, 1930 _ 150

ity-third 2Va(
REPORT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD NATIONAL

CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS, WASHINGTON, D. C,

JUNE 3-6, 1930

FIRST SESSION (MOXtNING OF TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 1930)

The conference was called to order at 10.55 o'clock a. m. by Dr.

George K. Burgess, president of the conference.

OPENING ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, DR. GEORGE K. BURGESS

Members of the conference and guests, it is again my duty and

privilege to welcome you to this Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures and to express my pleasure at seeing so many old friends among you. I wish also especially to greet those

of you who are here for the first time, and to assure you that your

active participation in the work of the conference will be most

helpfuL

It is with particularly keen regret that I note the absence of one of our most valued and helpful members, William F. Cluett, of Chicago, who on account of illness is missing for the first time in many

years. I am sure you all join me in wishing him a speedy and

complete recovery.

It has been customary in past years in my address to you to devote some attention to the subject of Federal legislation relating to weights and measures. The Congress has given somewhat less atten- tion to matters directly related to weights and measures than has

sometimes been the case. The only new matters relating to weights and measures introduced

since our last meeting are two resolutions pertaining to the metric

system and a bill to provide for regulating traffic in certain clinical

thermometers.

House Joint Resolution 124 provides that the Department of Commerce be authorized to establish commodity quantity units for general use in merchandising after 1935, standardizing the customary

units to metric units j and House Resolution NTo. 125 would authorize

and direct the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an investigation to determine the advantages and disadvantages of the general use in

the United States of the metric system of weights and measures. H. R. 9586, relating to clinical thermometers, prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of any clinical thermometer

which has not been tested or marked in accordance with the provisions of the bill. It further provides for the testing of thermometers

under rules and regulations to be made by the Secretary of Com24342°—31 -2 i


2 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

rneree, such rules and regulations to include specifications and reas w

able tolerances with which clinical thermometers shall conform.

The majority of the bills relating to weights and measures before

Congress at the present time were introduced during the first ses- sion and reported upon at our last meeting. None of the bills has

been enacted into law as yet. In relation to these I will confine my

remarks to a few upon which further action has been taken by Congress, as follows

:

H. R. 8, a bill to amend the national food and drugs act so as to prevent the slack filling of packages and deception by means of the

form or shape of the container, passed the House on March 17, 1930.

S. 108, a bill to suppress unfair and fraudulent practices in the

marketing and handling of perishable agricultural products by commission merchants in interstate and foreign commerce, passed the

Senate June 3, 1929, and the House, with amendment, on May 14. 1930, and is now in conference. This bill has a good chance of

passage.

H. R. 730, a bill to amend the national food and drugs act so as to require certain canned food to be of a standard quality, condition, and

fill, in accordance with standards to be promulgated by the Secretary

of Agriculture, passed the House on May 7, 1930. S. 1133, identical

with H. R. 730, was reported out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry with recommendation that it pass. I have copies of most of these bills, which are at your service for

examination at any time that you may so choose.

You will doubtless be interested in hearing something of our honorary president, Dr. S. W. Stratton, whom you remember was for so many years Director of the Bureau of Standards and president of

this conference, and who has since been president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Doctor Stratton has recently been

made chairman of the executive committee of the corporation of the

institute, being relieved of the duties of president, which have been

assumed by Dr. Carl Compton, of Princeton University. Doctor

Stratton in his new position maintains, as chairman of the board,

the authoritative position from the point of view of the policy and

finances of the institute. Doctor Compton is charged, more particularly, with the educational work of the institute. I see Doctor Strat- ton quite frequently, and I hardly ever meet him but he expresses

his very great interest in the work of these conferences on weights

and measures, and I am sure if it were possible he would be here and

would enjoy welcoming you also. Knowing your interest in the work of the Bureau of Standards, I

shall describe in some detail certain phases of our work during the

past year which have a direct bearing upon weights and measures. You are already familiar with our work on railroad track scales and mine scales. That work has been continued through the year, and about the usual number of scales of these general classes have

been tested, through the helpful cooperation of the railroads and

weights and measures omcials. I may say, in passing, that the funds

for those two types of work have been consolidated into a single fund,

which will make administration more easy and the carrying out of the

work more satisfactory. I am also glad to report, in this connection,

that through special appropriation Congress has provided the sum of
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 3

$40,000 for the replacement of our oldest track-scale testing equipment, No. 1, which through many years of service has become unfit

for further use. We expect this car to be constructed within the next

few months, and it will be put in operation as soon as possible.

The bureau has continued to cooperate with engineering societies,

the American Standards Association, the American Petroleum Institute, the Federal Specifications Board, and other organizations en- gaged in the standardization of equipment and methods of test. The

first-mentioned organization, by the way, has been reorganized within

the last year. A board of directors has been set up in which the

Director of the Bureau of Standards is the Government member, and

the work is carried out by what is called the council of the association.

As to the Federal Specifications Board, with which you are most

familiar as the body which sets up and promulgates the buying and

purchasing specifications for the departments, that board has been

very active and is getting out specifications year after year which are used more and more by State, municipal, and other institutional

buyers.

New equipment has been put into use in the optics division and in

the weights and measures division of the bureau, which has materially increased the accuracy attainable in the graduation and calibration of precise standards of length. In the optics division line standards up to 4 inches in length have been graduated by means of light waves, and these have been tested on the new longitudinal comparator

to an accuracy of two-millionths of an inch. A similar ruling machine, capable of ruling line standards up to 1 yard or 1 meter in

length by means of light waves is nearing completion. Preliminary

tests indicate a corresponding accuracy in this machine.

The new equipment in the weights and measures division includes a

high-precision longitudinal comparator, a circular dividing engine,

and a circle-testing machine. Although this equipment was purchased a few years ago, it is only within the past year that it has

been sufficiently used to demonstrate fully its precision, accuracy, and

convenience of use. The comparator has found extensive use in the calibration of line

standards ruled in the optics division, already referred to, and in the

intercomparison of various high-precision line standards belonging to

the bureau, and several belonging to the Canadian Government and

to various universities. The consistency and precision of the results

obtained are such as to indicate that our precise standards of length

are on a much higher plane as to accuracy than ever before.

Good progress has also been made in the graduation and calibration of precision circles such as are used on transits and theodolites

for the accurate measurement of angles. Experience so far gained

indicates that 9-inch theodolite circles graduated by the bureau

are not in error by more than 2 seconds of arc, and 6%-inch circles are not in error by more than 3 seconds of arc. Calibrations of these

circles by three different observers are consistent to within 1 second.

A new device developed in the volumetric section permits the

testing of dilution pipettes in a much shorter time than was possible by the methods formerly in use, and at no sacrifice of accuracy.

The new method makes use of a micrometer head and a cylindrical

plunger of known dimensions to determine by direct measurement
4 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

the ratio of volumes. This device has greatly speeded up our workin testing dilution pipettes which are used so extensively in medical

diagnosis.

The testing equipment that I have mentioned will be on exhibition in the bureau, and I hope you will feel free either Wednesday

afternoon at the time set aside for that purpose, or whenever it is convenient to you, to see any of those pieces of equipment in which

you may be interested.

Keturning for a moment to length standards, you may remember

that at the last conference I gave a summary of the international

work in regard to these standards and particularly to the work of the

international committee on weights and measures of the International

Bureau. There was one thing that it was hoped would be passed

but which had not as yet been passed, namely, the designating of the

temperature at which shop standards of length—gages and other

appliances used in the shop—should have their correct nominal

length. The temperature upon which practically everyone was

agreed for that purpose, was 20° C. or 68° F. I may now say that

all the countries concerned are in agreement, with the exception of

Great Britain who has not }

7 et disagreed. My latest information

from Great Britain is that the industries of Great Britain, which

are on a 62° F. basis, have not yet come to accept the 68° F. However, there are prospects that Great Britain will come in, and if she does that will make a uniform practice for shop standards.

One problem in the field of precise length measurement is receiving attention in practically all of the national research laboratories

;

that is, the precise measurement of length in terms of light waves. New applications of the results of research in this field seem certain

to lead to still further increase in the precision and accuracy of

industrial and engineering measurements of length.

A notable example is the development by two Japanese scientists

of a modification of the Fabry-Perot interferometer apparatus by means of which the length of a 24-meter geodetic tape is measured

directly in terms of light waves, with the same facility that short end

standards are ordinarily compared. They have shown that the

method is applicable to lengths up to several hundred meters. A report of particular interest to weights and measures officials in this country and in Great Britain has recently been issued by

the Board of Trade, London. This is a report of the intercompansons carried out in 1922 to 1927 between the Imperial Standards of

Great Britain and the several Parliamentary copies of these

standards.

The intercomparisons reported upon are the most extensive and

thorough that have been made since the adoption of the present

standards. The report also includes a comparison of the metric

standards of Great Britain with those of the International Bureau

of Weights and Measures, and a new determination of the relation

between the imperial yard and the international meter. The report

is 68 pages in length; and I can, therefore, give only a brief refer- ence to it. The general conclusion as summarized by Mr. Sears,

deputy warden of the standards, is as follows

:

General conclusions.--Although the results of the 1922-23 comparisons have

established the values of both the yard and the pound on a firmer ^asis than

for some decades past, it has become very apparent that neither series of
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 5

standards is of a quality corresponding to that of more modern primary standards, or to the possibilities and requirements of present day scientific and

industrial development. The defects remarked in the two immured standards

are, to a less degree, present in all the series, and it would appear desirable that early consideration should be given to the problem of determining the

best procedure to be adopted for their ultimate replacement by standards of greater accuracy and refinement. As far as the standard of length is concerned, the International Committee

for Weights and Measures have already expressed the hope that it may eventually be possible to supersede the material prototype metre by a definition in terms of the wave length of light. Investigations are already in progress in the various national laboratories with a view to formulating the proper conditions for such a definition. It would probably be best to defer any attempt

to replace the existing imperial standard yard until these investigations are

completed.

With regard to the standard of mass, no better material appears to be

available than the platinum iridium alloy of which the kilogramme standards

are made. If the indications of the present report are confirmed by the

results of the next decennial comparisons, which fall due to be made in 1932,

it will probably be found best to proceed forthwith to reconstruct the pound

standards in this alloy, prepared by the best modern processes. I would now like to refer to some of the items on our program for

this conference

:

You remember last year we had the pleasure of listening to Secretary Lamont, who addressed you. This year we will hear from

Doctor Klein, who is the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and was

previously for several years the Director of the Bureau of Foreign

and Domestic Commerce. Having occupied those positions, Doctor

Klein is closer, perhaps, to our industrial picture both at home and

abroad, than any man in the United States. I am sure you will find

his address of very great interest. This year we will also be favored by an address by the Hon.

Randolph Perkins, chairman of the Committee on Coinage, Weights,

and Measures of the House of Representatives. The committee of

which he is chairman has the duty of considering all bills which

concern this conference, as they come up in Congress.

On our program we have a considerable number of other items of

very great interest. Perhaps the one subject which is going to be

of the greatest prominence and interest is that dealing with oil, gasoline, and greases. On Thursdaj^ we have a symposium of papers

relating to those subjects, and this afternoon we shall have a paper

by Paul Hadlick, representing the American Petroleum Institute,

and the report of the committee on specifications and tolerances on

specifications for grease-measuring devices. Your committee on

specifications and tolerances has been going over the field very care- fully and has had sitting in with it from time to time representatives

of the industries concerned.

We also have a paper on that very important commodity, cotton,

the question being one of merchandising. The paper is entitled " The

Sale of Cotton by Net Weight, and the Standardization of the Bale,"

which is of very great importance in our commerce. This paper will

be given by Arthur W. Palmer, chief of the division of cotton marketing, Bureau of Agricultural Economics, United States Department of Agriculture.

There are a number of other speakers whom I will not take the

time to mention, but I am sure they will be heard with very great

interest by the members of the conference.
6 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Turning to publications of the bureau recently issued which may

be of especial interest to members of the conference, we have, of

course, first, the Report of the Twenty-Second National Conference on Weights and Measures, Miscellaneous Publications, Bureau of

Standards, No. 101, which has been issued for some time, and of

which, I hope, all of you have already received copies.

Then we have Miscellaneous Publications No. 104, Testing Equipment for Large-Capacity Scales for the Use of Weights and Measures

Officials, which we think will be useful to you in your Avork and in

improving the facilities of your departments.

I want particularly to refer to this modest document which is called Weights and Measures References, Miscellaneous Publications

No. 103. I think all of you—at least all of you who are in regular

attendance—have received copies of this publication. It includes,

among other things, an index of all the proceedings of these conferences on weights and measures, and I think one can not but be

impressed in looking over the subject matter of this index by the

very great breadth and depth and scope of the work of these confer- ences on weights and measures. In this connection, I am convinced that these annual meetings of

the weights and measures officials are of the very greatest importance.

You discuss model laws and specifications and tolerances; you hear

papers on many subjects—some are on new developments, some show

the way toward the future and point out what should be done, some

are controversial, some historical—all this is very useful and helpful.

I feel that these conferences, starting in 1905 and continuing to date, are to be highly congratulated on the work that has been done. But

that is not all; the work you have done has borne fruit elsewhere.

We had, for example, in the city last week a conference of delegates

from the various States interested in traffic problems. That was a voluntary conference, the same as this, made up of delegates in part

appointed by the governors of the various States, in part representatives of cities, and individuals. They have a very great problem, and

their method of attacking it is somewhat similar to yours. Also we

have at the bureau this week the conference of the utility engineers.

Their method of procedure is also quite similar. So in a way this

conference has not only been responsible for what it has done itself,

but it has been a good example to other lines of activity requiring

voluntary cooperation on the part of representatives from the various

States. Turning again to publications, the Standards Yearbook is being

issued as heretofore, annually, and the 1930 book is out. I am sorry

to say it is not available for free distribution. We also have the

annual report of the bureau, which is available for any of you who

wish it. The work of the railroad track scale testing service of the

Bureau of Standards during the fiscal year July 1, 1928, to June 30,

1929, is summarized in Letter Circular No. 276. There have been

issued several publications relating to gages and screw threads.

Then there is a chart for use in determining angles. Screw-thread

tables are being gotten out in more convenient form for public use. We have a publication also on domestic and industrial fuel oils ; also weights per United States gallon and cubic foot for sugar solutions.

We have been doing some work on the question of light standards.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 7

and we have a report on the first spectrum of krypton. These are

available for your information, and copies, except of the yearbook, can be had. Lastly, I mention the publication, Commercial Standards Monthly, which is evidently meeting a long-felt want ; the subscription list of this is now, I believe, approaching 4,000.

Your chairman had the opportunity to go to Japan last fall as the

delegate of the United States Government to the World Engineering

Conference. I am sorry to say that I did not have the opportunity

of seeing in detail, as I had wished, the weights and measures administration of Japan. I did, however, get in contact and noted certain

things of interest, and I did visit a great many laboratories. That

visit was most extraordinarily interesting. The Japanese people are most remarkable, most vigorous from the point of view of development. I was greatly astounded at the enormous development they

have made on standardization, on the one hand, and on research on

the other; particularly in research. I did have an opportunity of

seeing how they carry out their work in the inspection of electrical

apparatus which is not strictly weights and measures in the purview

of this conference, but nevertheless closely allied to it. The railroads

of Japan belong to the Government. Means of communication also

belong to the Government—that is, the radio, telegraph, and tele- phone. The power activities of Japan, however, do not belong to the

Government, but are under Government regulation. Nevertheless

all the electrical equipment that is bought by the Japanese Government is tested by the Government. I was greatly impressed. For

example, they have a laboratory on the outskirts of Tokyo and an- other one at Osaka. In the laboratory at Tokyo they had testing

equipment of all kinds and over 1,000 men were employed in that

kind of work. That gives you an idea of the thoroughness with

which they go into anything which they agree upon to do. When it is agreed that the electrical equipment that the Japanese Government buys will be tested, it is tested. I have a feeling that if we were

charged with the testing of all the equipment that the Government

buysnve would be terribly swamped. Japan has a population of

about 59,000,000 in the island, while we have some 120,000,000. On

the same basis we would require 2,000 or more persons to do the test- ing in this country. I am happy to say that we do not have to do the

work. The weights and measures work of Japan is centralized and

the standards work is carried out in cooperation with industry ; but

the Government has the last say, and that places it in a very powerful position. Any program they wish to carry out can be accomplished. It is interesting to know that there have been three systems of

weights and measures in use in Japan—the Japanese system, the

English system, and the metric system. Originally they had only

the Japanese system; then the English and the metric systems were added about the same time—I think in 1919. Then in the Government they tried an experiment. The war department adopted one

system and the navy department the other. I think it was the navy

which operated under the English system and the war department

which operated under the metric system. They tried in this way

to make a comparison, and they have been going on on that basis. A professor of mechanical engineering of Tokyo explained the

complexity of the present conditions. He stated that in the case of
8 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

an ordinary 1 bar, which is used in building construction, it wa& common practice, for example, to put the length of the I bar, let us say, in the English system, the height and width of the I bar in

the Japanese system, and the thickness of the metal employed in

the metric system ; as a result the Japanese engineer had to work on

the same piece of metal in three systems. The situation now is that

in 1924 the Japanese Imperial Diet passed a law making the metric

system compulsory and the sole system, to become effective in 1934. That is in brief what I have to report in relation to weights and

measures that I saw in Japan. I might also state that they are very

skillful in making up packages to sell. I believe they are the best

packers there are. You can buy a dried dinner—dinner No. 4 or dinner No. 6 or dinner No. 20—in which everything to make up the

dinner, including the materials for soup and dessert, are in one package—which is carrying simplicity right into the home.

The Engineering Congress was very well attended, indeed, by

several hundred foreign engineers and several hundred Japanese;

there were 800 papers, this bureau presenting a paper on precision

measurements and instruments for measurements of length. That

congress was a very great success, indeed, and of course the Japanese were very proud in having entertained the first engineering congress

held in the East. Now, gentlemen, I have perhaps taken more than my allotted share

in the discussion of the work of this conference, the work going on, and in referring to my visit to Japan. I want to say that I believe

these conferences are of the very greatest use to the members concerned, and I want to say to the new members that you have an

opportunity to get acquainted with the old members and what is going on at the bureau. Some of the best results are from our in- formal contacts; and, in addition to the printed program, if any

of you have matters which you want to bring up, arrangements may

be made to have them discussed in the conference.

We will now proceed to the regular order of business.

ABSTRACTS OF STATE REPORTS *

• ALABAMA

By R. C. Sharp, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Birmingham

Mr. Sharp reported that H. S. Holloway had recently succeeded

H. L. Flurry as chief of the State division of weights and measures, but that Mr. Holloway had been unable to make arrangements to be present at the conference.

CALIFORNIA 2 By J. S. Casey, Chief, State Division of Weights and Measures Mr. Casey reported that his division was in a nourishing condition, with adequate funds, added equipment, and a well-trained personnel. Charged with the enforcement of numerous statutes in

addition to the weights and measures law, the division has enough

inspectors, so that each may specialize in a particular branch of

1 For convenience of reference these reports have been arranged in alphabetical order throughout.

- This rerort was submitted through C. M. Fuller and was read to the conference by him.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 9

the work. Mr. Casey noted the good results which have followed the

State weights and measures conference held in October, 1929. CONNECTICUT

By Philip T. Pilon, State Inspector of Weights and Measures Mr. Pilon stated that there had been an increase of over 14 per

cent in the number of inspections as compared with the record of the

previous year. The attitude of the business interests of the State

toward weights and measures regulation was said to be particularly

friendly, with satisfactory conditions prevailing in all sections. A

program to strengthen the weights and measures statutes is planned

for the next legislature, which will convene in January.

DELAWARE

(An official was in attendance from Delaware, but no report from

this State was presented to the conference.)

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

(Officials were in attendance from the District of Columbia, but no report from the District was presented to the conference.)

GEORGIA

By S. H. Wilson. State Oil Chemist

Mr. Wilson reported that the general weights and measures bill which had been prepared for introduction at the last legislative

session was not introduced because of local conditions which made

such action inadvisable ; this bill, which follows the model State law

of the conference, will, however, be offered at the first favorable

opportunity. Six inspectors now devote all of their time to the

inspection of gasoline-dispensing devices under a law requiring that

such devices be tested once every three months.

IDAHO

By Ernest J. Crouch, Director, State Bureau of Weights and Measures Mr. Crouch outlined the history of the Idaho weights and measures

statutes, stating that it has only been since 1923 that active inspection has been carried on. He said that the laws are considered

inadequate for proper supervision, and that his division is handicapped by insufficient funds. Several efforts have been made to secure the enactment of a comprehensive law based upon the model

law of the conference, but so far these efforts have been unsuccessful.

In so far as possible, the recommendations of the conference as to

specifications and tolerances are being followed out in the work of

the division. ILLINOIS By W. T. Fossett, State Superintendent of Standards

Mr. Fossett reported that there are now 12 State inspectors of

standards carrying on field work throughout the State; these men

are supplied with new automobile trucks for the transportation of
10 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

their equipment. Seventeen cities are now required by statute to have local inspectors, and this number will be increased as a result of the last census. Mr. Fossett commented upon the success of the

State weights and measure conference held in March. There has

been no new legislation enacted recently.

The Chairman. We have a communication from William F.

Cluett, chief deputy inspector of weights and measures of the city

of Chicago, who is one of the oldest members of the conference and

who is unfortunately unable to be present at this conference for the

first time in many years. This communication reads as follows:

To Doctor Burgess, president, F. S. Holbrook, secretary, officers, members,

and guests of the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures:

Greetings. May you have the best, liveliest, and most educational weights

and measures conference in. your history, is the wish of William F. Cluett, resting on the side lines because of illness.(Signed) William F. Cluett. INDIANA

By I. L. Miller, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures Mr. Miller described briefly the new outfit for the testing of largecapacity scales, just acquired by his department; this equipment will

carry 6,000 pounds of standard weights, and will have a gross weight

of about 7y2 tons. The 500-pound weights comprising the bulk of

the test-weight load will be handled on the scale platform by means

of a 2-wheeled cart. Mr. Miller also commented upon a case recently

begun against his department in connection with the standard-weight

bread law.

KENTUCKY

(An official was in attendance from Kentucky, but no report from

this State was presented to the conference.)

MAINE

(Officials were in attendance from Maine, but no report from this

State was presented to the conference.)

MARYLAND

By S. T. Griffith, Chief, Division of Weights and Measures, Baltimore

Mr. Griffith stated that the efforts to secure the passage of a comprehensive weights and measures law for the entire State, which met

with defeat a year ago, would be continued, and that with the as- sistance of the State board of agriculture and department of markets

it was believed that success would eventually be achieved- He com- mented briefly on the administration of weights and measures in the

city of Baltimore, stating that the conference recommendations as to

specifications and tolerances are largely followed.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES H

MASSACHUSETTS

By Francis Herewith, Director, State Division of Standards

Mr. Meredith reported that during the year a considerable amount

of time has been devoted to examinations for type approval—gasoline

pumps, meters, metering systems, and grease-measuring devices having predominated in this work. Some 6,000 licenses were also issued

under the several licensing laws administered by the division. An

appropriation of $7,000 was made by the last legislature for the procurement and equipping of a special truck to be used for the testing

of large-capacity scales. MICHIGAN

By Peter D. Dukesherer, Director State Bureau of Foods and Standards

Mr. Dukesherer reviewed the history of weights and measures

legislation in Michigan and compared the condition of commercial

equipment during the first years of active enforcement with its pres- ent condition, as revealed by the records of inspection results, noting

the tremendous improvement which has taken place. Through a

cooperative arrangement with the State board of pharmacy, inspectors of that office test the weighing and measuring equipment in all drug stores. It was stated that the State highway department plans

to install ten 60-ton scales for checking loaded trucks on the highways.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

(An official was in attendance from New Hampshire, but no report

from this State was presented to the conference.)

NEW JERSEY

By J. Harry Foley, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures Mr. Foley gave a general resume of the activities of his department. He said that examinations for type approval had consumed more time than heretofore, devices used for the dispensing of petroleum products predominating among those submitted. A program

of educational work among the people of the State has been vigorously carried out. During the year over 800,000 yards of thread

have been remeasured under the thread law enacted several years ago. Numerous special investigations have been conducted, among which

Mr. Foley mentioned particularly those on butter, potatoes, and

grapes.

NEW YORK

By C. P. Norgord, Assistant Commissioner, State Department of Agriculture and

Markets

Mr. Norgord outlined two important policies of the State bureau,

as follows: First, since the bulk of the inspectional work in the

State is performed by city and county officials, and the State force

is very small, effort has been concentrated on raising the efficiency
12 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

of local departments. Second, as to inspectional work performed by

the State inspectors, emphasis is placed for considerable period

upon one or two lines, with a parallel program of publicity; during

the past year the emphasis has been on coal and gasoline. Mr. Xorgord stated that excellent results had followed the plan of holding

hearings at the department in the case of violations of the statutes. NORTH CAROLINA

By William H. Richardson, Editor, State Department of Agriculture

Mr. Eichardson reported that the license tax act of 1929, designed

to provide revenue to carry on weights and measures supervision

in the State in lieu of the inspection fees provided for by the earlier

law, had not produced enough revenue to permit the work to be

carried on as extensively as anticipated. He stated, however, that

with the cooperation of some of the cities which have employed in- spectors and the assistance which the State department had been able to render much good work had been accomplished.

'

<

'As) ' > I OHIO

By J. 0. Tinkey, Deputy State Scaler of Weights and Measures Mr. Tinkey advised that supervision of weights and measures work

in Ohio is now under the division of feeds and fertilizers of the

department of agriculture, D. M. Odaffer being chief of that division.

He commented upon a successful State conference held last December, and upon the continuance of district conferences throughout

the State. The inspectional work of the local and State departments was briefly summarized, and it was stated that the triennial inspection of local standards was nearing completion; the importance of

this latter work was demonstrated by the fact that of the apparatus

examined 39 per cent required adjustment and over 6 per cent was

found unfit for use. PENNSYLVANIA

By Albert B. Smith, Director State Bureau of Standard Weights and Measures Mr. Smith reported that during the year special attention had

been paid to the testing of gasoline dispensing equipment and oil bottles, with the result that marked improvement in conditions had

been brought about. Special efforts had also been directed toward

milk bottles, with particular reference to the capacity point and

the elimination, under a new law, of bottles of capacities of 5, 10,

and 12 fluid ounces. Mr. Smith mentioned the steps which had been

taken by the State bureau in certain jurisdictions where the local

officials had become lax in the discharge of their duties.

RHODE ISLAND

By Louis B. Jones, Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Providence

Mr. Jones reported only for his city, in which the weights and

measures personnel consists of the superintendent and four deputies.

He briefly summarized the inspectional work of the department,

noting that the mechanical condition of the commercial equipment

in use was practically the same as in the previous year.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 13

TENNESSEE

By T. F. Mahoney, Sealer of Weights and Measures, Chattanooga

$ Mr. Mahoney reported that his State had recently undertaken the

testing of gasoline for quality, this work being carried on in all parts of the State by means of a traveling laboratory mounted on a

truck. While the chemist is making his analyses for quality in a given city or town, an inspector of weights and measures, who also

accompanies the truck, tests all of the gasoline-measuring devices in

use. TEXAS

By V. A. Stovaix, Chief Inspector, State Division of Weights and Measures Mr. Stovall discussed the efforts of his division to secure additional legislation during the past year, which were successful in only

one instance, an amendment to the general penalty section whereby

this was materially strengthened. Bills to amend the public

weighers law, to provide for the licensing of operators of gasoline

dispensing devices, and to provide additional revenue for the department through the levying of an assessment of 2 cents on each

bale of cotton at the compresses, all failed of passage.

UTAH

By B. D. Nebekee. Superintendent of Weights and Measures and Oil Inspection, Salt Lake City

Mr. Nebeker spoke briefly on the organization of weights and measures supervision in Utah, and stated that progress was being effected

notwithstanding numerous handicaps. In so far as practicable, the

conference recommendations as to specifications and tolerances are being followed by the State and local offices. Mr. Nebeker also com- mented upon the problem of gasoline shrinkage as affected by the

temperatures prevailing at the time of measurement.

ANNOUNCEMENT AND MOTION

The Chairman. The time for recess is approaching, and before we

do recess the secretary, Mr. Holbrook, has an announcement to make.

Mr. Holbrook. I wish to state that two reports of the committee on specifications and tolerances are now in mimeographed form and

may be obtained for consultation before these matters come before

the conference for action. One of these is the report on grease- measuring devices, which will be considered this afternoon, and the

other is the report on odometers, which will be considered to-morrow

morning. Copies of these reports are now on the desk.

Mr. Ragland. Mr. Chairman, I move that the secretary be in- structed to send to Mr. Cluett, of Chicago, some flowers and a suitable

telegram, expressing the sympathy of this conference in his illness. (The motion was seconded, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

(At this point, at 1 o'clock p. m., the conference took a recess until

2 o'clock p. m.)
SECOND SESSION (AFTERNOON OF TUESDAY,

JUNE 3, 1930)

The conference reassembled at 2.05 o'clock p. m., Dr. George K

Burgess, president, in the chair.

ABSTRACTS OF STATE REPORTS—Continued

VERMONT

By H. N. Davis, Deputy State Commissioner of Weights and Measures Mr. Davis reported the promulgation of a regulation requiring

antidrain nozzles on meter pumps and of specifications and toler- ances for these devices. He said that his department had been

spending considerable time in checking maple-sugar sirup, stating in

this connection that Vermont produces 80 per cent of all the maple

products made in New England. In general, he reported progress

and satisfactory conditions throughout the State. VIRGINIA

By J. H. Meek, Director State Division of Markets

Mr. Meek stated that the principal weights and measures activities of his division were along the line of cooperation with the local sealers of the State. A program of testing large-capacity scales,

begun two years ago, has produced gratifying results in the repair

and replacement of incorrect equipment ; in the trucking sections of

the State a considerable number of produce barrels have been measured; recently an extensive program of testing gasoline-measuring

devices has been inaugurated. The State division has also done

considerable work in counties where there are no local sealers. WEST VIRGINIA 3 By Howard S. Jarrett, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures Mr. Jarrett said that because of inactivity in the coal business the

testing of mine scales had occupied less time than usual, and his

inspectors had been able to devote more time to other phases of

weights and measures work; he particularly mentioned their activity in the examination of equipment in retail stores, the checking of

package goods, and the investigation of numerous complaints. Mr.

Jarrett also presented an interesting analysis of the gasoline equipment situation, pointing out that the amount of equipment in use

is increasing faster than the sales of gasoline.

3 This report was read to the conference by P. T. Sullivan. 14
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS *AND MEASURES 15

WISCONSIN

By George Warner, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures Mr. Warner confined his report to a discussion of four weights and

measures bills introduced into the last legislature, two of which

became law. Under a consolidation statute, the State weights and

measures organization is now a part of the newly created department

of agriculture and markets, although for practical purposes the work

of the organization is not affected. The statute relating to Babcock

glassware was strengthened, making it easier to secure convictions for

violations. A bill to establish a standard for a cord of wood and a

bill to make the weights and measures inspectors regular members

of a State constabulary failed of passage.

ABSTRACTS OF REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF STATE ASSOCIATIONS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OFFICIALS

INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTORS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

By I. L. Miller, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures Mr. Miller reported that with very few exceptions the Indiana

association had met regularly each year since 1911. Owing to a conflict of dates with another State association the 1930 meeting of the

Indiana organization has been postponed from June to September.

MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF SEALERS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

By Homer J. Melidy, Deputy Sealer of Weights and Measures, Worcester Mr. Melidy noted an increase in the membership of the association

as compared with the records of a year ago. He stated that the .meet- ings of the association are attended not only by weights and measures

officials but also by the public. One of the principal activities of the

Massachusetts association is in connection with the passage of suitable

weights and measures legislation.

MICHIGAN STATE, COUNTY, AND CITY SEALERS' ASSOCIATION

By George W. Mahn, Sealer of Weights and Measures, City and County of Saginaic

Mr. Mahn extended a general invitation to attend the seventeenth

annual meeting of the association to be held in Benton Harbor in

June, and gave a resume of the program which had been arranged for

the meeting.

NEW JERSEY WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ASSOCIATION

By Joseph G. Rogers, Assistant State Superintendent of Weights and Measures Mr. Kogers announced that the next meeting of the association

would be held in September at Asbury Park, and issued a general in- vitation to attend the sessions. He gave a detailed report of the matters considered at the midwinter meeting of the association, held in

Trenton in February, and recommended that other associations

adopt this idea of a short executive session to be held between the

regular annual meetings of their organization.
16 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF SEALERS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

By J. H. Stephenson, Sealer of Weights and Measures, Rochester

Mr. Stephenson extended a general invitation to attend the sessions

of the twenty-third meeting of the association, to be held in Niagara

Falls in July.

OHIO sealers' association

By J. C. Tinkey, Deputy State Sealer of Weights and Measures Mr. Tinkey said that the association was interested in securing a revision of the State weights and measures statutes, and has a committee working toward that end. Last }

T ear the association indorsed

the standardization of package goods in units of multiples and submultiples of the pound and gallon. The next meeting of the association will be held in December.

The Chairman. It occurs to the chair that these reports from

State associations show the advantages of forming such organizations in the several States for the purpose of fostering the work

of weights and measures supervision and stimulating the interest of

those engaged in this work. I think that all of the States which

have such associations should encourage the formation of similar

associations in the other States. NOTES ON GREASE-MEASURING DEVICES

By Ralph TV. Smith, Bureau of Standards I think it is a fact that up to the present, the number of weights

and measures officials who have made a study of grease-measuring

devices is relatively small. It therefore appears appropriate at this

time to consider briefly the various types of these devices which are

at present on the market. I hope that this resume of the principles

of operation of the various types which have been developed up to the present time will be of interest and assistance to the conference.

What I shall say is based upon the latest information which we

have been able to secure upon this subject. We have endeavored to learn the names of all manufacturers of grea se -measuring devices

and the character of the product which they make. In this we believe that we have been fairly successful. We have learned that some companies previously making these devices have discontinued

their manufacture, that some companies are modifying their design

in view of the conference code of specifications and tolerances, and

that some manufacturers have just entered or are about to enter

this field. At the outset I believe it is well to mention again, and to emphasize, that the conference code for grease-measuring devices concerns itself only with those instruments intended to dispense greases

and oils for automobile transmissions and differentials, and to regis- ter the amount of grease or oil dispensed. The large group of devices known variously as " pressure lubricators," " chassis lubricators/' " grease guns," etc., used for the lubrication under relatively

high pressure of bearings and other moving parts, is excluded from
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 17

the conference code and is of no direct official interest to the weights

and measures officer because the amount of grease or oil

# dispensed

does not enter into the charge assessed for such a greasing operation. The cost of the lubricant is relatively unimportant compared

with the cost of the servicing operation, and no direct charge is made for the lubricant itself. You will realize that the reverse is true in the case of what we call a " grease-measuring " device, where

the cost of the service is secondary, the cost of the lubricant is^ the

important item, and the charge for the greasing operation is fixed

by the amount of lubricant dispensed. In what follows, therefore,

I will confine myself to what we have defined in the conference code

as a grease-measuring device. Let me also make it plain that no

effort has been made to determine how many of the units discussed are in compliance with the requirements of the conference code.

The results of our survey indicate that there are now made three

principal types of grease-measuring devices—the meter type,

# the

gear type, and the piston type. There is one common characteristic

of all of these types and that is that the quantity is determined by a measuring operation of some sort. You will remember that the conference code specifically exempts grease-weighing devices which may

be used for the same purpose as the grease-measuring device. We

know of no unit being made which utilizes a weighing operation to determine the amount of grease dispensed, but such a unit may be

developed and, if so, a number of the provisions of our present code

would be inapplicable to such a device; it was therefore considered

appropriate to exclude from the provisions of the code a grease- dispensing unit based upon the gravimetric principle, leaving the

consideration of this type to such time as it may make its appearance

in the commercial field. It may not be out of place to repeat that the

primary reason for requiring that grease-measuring devices be designed to indicate and deliver in terms of pints rather than in terms

of pounds was that these devices universally measure rather than

weigh and that if pound indications had been permitted this would

have introduced a series of weights and measures enforcement diffi- culties in addition to being fundamentally inconsistent and unsound.

Reverting now for brief consideration to the three types of grease- measuring devices which I have mentioned—meter, gear, and piston

I would say, first, that my conception of a meter type is one in which

the lubricant passes through an automatic measuring element called a meter and by its passage causes registration of the amount dispensed

;

in other words, by " meter " I mean " flow meter " in its commonly

accepted sense. Some manufacturers appear to use the term " meter " in referring to a mere counting element, such as a tallying device

which is distinctly separate from the measuring element and which

records the movement or the number of operation cycles of a pistonand-cylinder combination; I do not consider such usage accurate or

desirable. We find that there are 10 manufacturers who market

devices embodying " meters " according to my definition ; all of these

utilize air pressure to force the lubricant through the measuring ele- ment, and one manufacturer also has a unit in which an electricallydriven pump performs this function. On 6 of these units the meters

indicate up to 8 pints, 1 indicates up to 10 pints, and 3 indicate up

24342°—31 3
18 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

to 12 pints; 6 of the units are or ma}' be equipped with totalizing counters; 1 of these units has an automatic valve to release the air

pressure when the supply of lubricant is exhausted.

We find only one unit constructed on the " gear " principle. Here

the lubricant is expelled by being drawn between and forced through

meshing gears, which are revolved by means of a hand crank. A

counter reading to 5y2 pints is connected with the measuring gears. This unit is provided with an automatic locking mechanism to make

it inoperative when the supply of lubricant is exhausted.

In the piston-and-cylinder tj^pe we find one in which the entire " bottle," or container for the lubricant, is the cylinder, with a large

piston driven by air pressure and connected to an indicating mechanism by means of a spiral metal "ribbon." The tallying device, or "job indicator," on this unit will indicate up to 10 pints, and

there is also a " supply indicator " to show the amount of lubricant remaining in the unit at all times; as a result of its general

design this unit necessarily becomes inoperative when the supply

of lubricant is exhausted.

There appear to be five manufacturers making units in which a

relatively small-capacity cylinder is connected with a container holding the lubricant, the pistons being operated by hand cranks and

having tallying devices to count the piston strokes; the maximum

registration on the counters is 5 or 8 pints. On one of these units

there is an indicator designed to show before each discharge stroke

that the piston is properly filled; warning of exhaustion of the

supply of lubricant is given through failure of the indication just

mentioned.

There remains to be mentioned only that class of piston-type dispensers in which no effort is made to register the number of piston

strokes comprising delivery to an individual customer ; the original

types of so-called " grease buckets," " grease paks," " bucket pumps,"

etc., are in this class. Many of these are in use throughout the

country, and it is probable that there are numerous manufacturers

of this simple type whose names have not come to our attention.

Some manufacturers of whom we happen to know seem inclined not

to modify their devices to conform to the requirements of the con- ference code, while others are endeavoring to do so. In any consideration of grease-measuring devices the question

naturally arises as to how these devices may best be tested for accu- racy by the weights and measures official. I do not propose to go

into an exhaustive discussion of testing methods for these instruments nor to offer any definite test routine. Some general comments, however, may be of assistance to you when you decide to undertake seri- ously the regular examination of grease-measuring devices.

I realize, as, I am sure, do all of you who have attempted to test one of these devices, that the testing operation is attended with cer- tain difficulties and annoyances not met with in the examination of

many of the weighing or measuring devices which you are called

upon to test. The units must be tested when filled with the lubricant which the}' are intended to dispense, and this lubricant itself must be the .testing medium. The nature of greases and oils makes

them somewhat inconvenient and unpleasant to handle, the operation is not a particularly clean one, and the whole test may be some- what inelegantly but nevertheless truthfully characterized as
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 19

"messy." The problem, then, is to make the best of an unpleasant

situation, without sacrificing any essential elements of the test or

jeopardizing the accuracy of the results. Since the unit indicates in terms of pints, its discharge must be

measured volumetrically or a conversion must be made into volumetric units. It is obvious that the inspector can not afford to use

his regular standard volumetric measures direct in the test of a

grease-measuring device, because these standards must be kept clean

at all times to avoid contaminating any capacity measures which

may be compared with them. One method which may be followed

for volumetric testing is to determine the accuracy of one or more

ordinary commercial capacity measures by the use of the inspector's

standards and then make the discharge from the grease-measuring

device into the commercial measures ; in such a case it will be neces- sary that the commercial measures be wiped out or otherwise cleaned

between each observation so as to remove from the walls of the measures all of the adhering grease or oil. It is probable that in some places no difficulty will be experienced in borrowing from the

station or garage operator the necessary number of commercial

capacity measures to use as suggested. In other cases, however, it may be that there will only be available at the station or garage

lubricating-oil measures of a type which would not be suitable for

this use in that they are equipped with special spouts to facilitate

crankcase filling. Here it would seem that the weights and measures

official would be obliged to make his own provisions for carrying- on the test of the grease-measuring device. To meet this situation some officials have proposed the use of paper containers such as the

rigid or semirigid cups, buckets, and cartons manufactured for the

dispensing of food products. Such containers when of lightweight

material may be used but once, or at most only a few times, and are then to be discarded ; to avoid distortion of such containers it would

be necessary that a supporting form be used, similar to those used

with ice-cream buckets. In the case of the heavier varieties of

paper containers, however, they may repeatedly be cleaned between

observations and used a considerable number of times before being

thrown away. It would be necessary, of course, that each such container used, whether of light or heavy material, be carefulty tested by

means of the inspector's standard measures because, when used as

indicated, the paper container becomes the standard by which the

grease-measuring device is directly tested, and its accuracy must

have been established before such use. As I see the matter, the greatest objection to the use of paper

containers or commercial measures for the testing of grease-measuring devices is the determination of the error of delivery so that the

tolerances may be applied. All of these units are relatively " insensitive," due to their broad tops. On account of the nature of the

material involved in the test, it is obvious that the inspector can not

utilize a small diameter graduate in applying the tolerance as is done in the case of measures being tested with water or other testing

mediums of low viscosity. It is probable that it will be necessary

for the inspector to determine by means of tests made with water,

and to mark upon the inside of the measures or containers used to receive the discharge from the grease-measuring device, the height

corresponding to the nominal capacity of the measure or container,
20 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

and then to establish above or below this point lines corresponding

to the maximum and minimum amounts allowable under the toler- ances. He will then require that the grease-measuring device be so adjusted as to make deliveries within these limits. This procedure

is not a very satisfactory one. however, and a very high degree of

accuracy is not to be anticipated from its use. There is another method of testing the discharge from a grease- measuring device which is susceptible of higher precision of results and which avoids some of the difficulties noted above, but which

introduces one new factor as an essential element of the operation. I refer to the gravimetric or weighing method of testing the dis- charge, under which it first becomes necessary to determine the weight

per pint of the testing medium: that is. of the oil or grease with

which the unit under test is filled. In using this method the inspector must, of course, be provided with a suitable scale. The inspector's

regular 10-pound testing balance, used for the testing of counterpoise

and other weights, is not. perhaps, particularly well suited for use

in connection with the testing of grease-measuring devices, on account

of the large number of loose standard weights which it would be

necessary continuously to utilize, and on account of the size of the

container used to receive the lubricant discharged from the device

under test. Some officials already have small scales which they use

for the check weighing of package goods, and others could undoubtedly procure these if considered expedient : these scales should prove

entirely satisfactory for use in testing a grease-measuring device.

To determine the weight per unit volume of the lubricant being

dispensed from the particular device under examination, the inspector should be provided with a substantial metal cylindrical

standard having a capacity of 2 or 4 pints, preferably the latter: the

capacity of this measure should be defined by the top edge of the measure. Having first determined the weight of this measure when

empty, or having '* balanced it out r ' on the scale, the measure is filled level full of the lubricant and the net weight of the measured amount

of lubricant determined : from this figure the weight per pint is readily found. This measure may then be emptied and cleaned, and need

not be used again until the test of another grease-measuring device

is undertaken.

Any convenient container may now be used to receive the discharge

from the grease-measuring device, and this container need not be

cleaned between successive observations, because its tare weight can

be determined prior to each discharge from the grease-measuring

device and the net weight of each discharge readily computed from

this tare weight and gross weight after discharge, or the container

may be "balanced out " before each discharge and the amount of the

discharge weighed net. From the weight per pint of lubricant the

inspector can readily compute the weight representing the tolerance

for a delivery of any nominal amount, and this may be easily applied

and a decision quickly arrived at as to compliance or noncompliance

with the tolerances. It is the ease with which errors of discharge

may be computed and tolerances applied by the weight method which

particularly recommends this method over the straight volumetric

method in which it is necessary to determine errors and apply tol- erances volumetrically : the principal objection to the weight method
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE OX WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 21

is the necessity for accurate determinations of the weight per unit

volume.

Experience may show that the inspector may with safet}^ simplify

the weight method of testing grease-measuring devices by eliminating the individual determinations of the weight per pint of the lubri- cant each time a test is undertaken, and proceeding upon values for

this vital factor which have been determined in his office for lubri- cants of different grades and makes. Perhaps one series of values

might be worked out for average summer temperatures, and another

for the average temperatures which may be anticipated for spring

and fall; in winter testing, different grades of lubricant would be

encountered as compared with those in use during the warmer portions of the year, and values for these might be worked out for a temperature corresponding to that of the average filling-station office or garage. I am not as yet prepared to recommend this method of

procedure, because I do not know the magnitude of the errors which

might be introduced; but if it can be shown that such errors are

negligible, then there would be removed from the weight method of

testing grease-measuring devices its principal objectionable feature.

In either the volumetric or gravimetric method of testing a grease- measuring device it is recommended that deliveries of at least 2 pints

up to perhaps 4 or 5 pints be utilized, rather than deliveries of single

pints. This recommendation is made because on a delivery of 4 pints,

for example, the tolerance is approximately four times as great as on a 1-pint delivery and is susceptible of easier and more accurate

application ; another reason is that such deliveries will probably represent more nearly average performance of the device than a delivery

of a single pint. If it is desired to check the accuracy of the device on the delivery of the first indicated pint, cause the device to dis- charge several " initial " pints, averaging the error on the total of

these deliveries to arrive at the error of the initial pint. Methods of

making other combination deliveries and of testing the discharge of

the device at various points throughout its range whenever this is necessitated by the type of device under examination, will be obvious

without detailed explanation.

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

The Chairman. In inviting discussion of this paper, the chair

would state that it is the practice of the conference to invite discussion

from anyone present. Does anyone wish to discuss this paper?

Mr. Kaglaxd. Mr. President, I was deeply interested in this rather

technical paper presented by Mr. Smith. I think it was good, but he

did not mention two things that I think should have been mentioned.

In relation to chassis lubrication, we do not care about it. They have

all kinds of guns to do it. Mr. Smith said that the amount of grease

or oil dispensed does not fix the charge assessed for such greasing

operation as the cost of the lubricant was relatively unimportant

compared with the cost of the servicing operation, "in relation to greasing differentials and transmissions, I may say that it is not the

cost of the material that goes in but it is the cost of the material that

does not go in which is important. The cost of the grease is very

small. Grease is obtainable at anywhere from 3 to 8 cents a pound.
22 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

That does not make much difference in the cost of the job, but it makes a world of difference if the grease does not go into the trans- mission and you have stripped gears, and all kinds of trouble. That

is what I am considering. If I have a bad tooth I can not see it, but

when I go to the dentist I want him to tell me what is going on. When we go to a service station we supply our deputies with halfpint, pint, and quart containers. They go in and turn a handle and

if the device is correct they know it. We never would make as many

inspections if we had to use gasoline everywhere to clean the measures. But it is a simple affair to carry these extra containers,

and you can tell immediately whether a pump is correct or not. You

do not dirty your hands and you do not have to have scales. We can do much quicker work, insure more inspections, and thereby assure people of getting full measure in grease deliveries.

Mr. Rogers. Mr. Chairman, testing grease-measuring devices is a dirty job as everybody knows, but we found out an advantageous

method. There is a type of cylindrical container which we have approved for various measurements of ice creams and liquids. We

find those containers very well within the limits of tolerance at all times, and so they can be used for testing without detriment to ac- curacy. A number of these can be secured—they come in half-pints,

pints, and quarts, just the sizes in which the grease-measuring devices are graduated. By using these you make a test that is very accurate and you will not have all that cleaning of a good standard to go

through each time.

Mr. Saybolt. Mr. President, just a point for Mr. Smith's consideration. His paper was very valuable. The point I would like to make is that if this gravimetric method be pursued, based on

volumetrically filling a container, it must be remembered that there

is always a certain amount of aeration that will apply in plastic

materials, and some method would have to be developed to eliminate

this aeration.

The Chairman. I would like to say in relation to our next item

that many of the weights and measures officials here do not have any

direct supervision over cotton. However, cotton is of tremendous

importance in the Southern States, and the standardization effort,

which will be discussed by Mr. Palmer, represents a large program,

which should be of interest to all weights and measures officials in

this conference.

THE SALE OF COTTON BY NET WEIGHT AND THE

STANDARDIZATION OF THE BALE

By Arthur W. Palmer, Chief, Division of Cotton MarJceting, Bureau of Agricultural Eco7iortiics, United States Department of Agriculture

The cotton crop of the world is marketed in containers of different

kinds, but in the United States the package unit of lint cotton is the

bale. This has been true with no observed exception since the virtual

disappearance from production of sea-island cotton, a select part

of which was until about 10 years ago sent to the mills in bags.

The American bale is of two general types, one the round bale and

the other the so-called square bale. There are substantial differences

between the two. The round bale is packaged in a round-bale press
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 23' which is attached to the gin in place of the usual square press box.

A few round presses turn out bales of 500 pounds, but the usual round

bale is about 250 pounds, or half the weight of the square bale. It is 35 inches in height, 22 inches in diameter, has a density of about 28

pounds a cubic foot, and is completely covered with about 2% pounds

of closely woven burlap cloth. The weight of covering is usually cal- culated without controversy at 1 per cent of the gross weight.

The story of the round bale is one of the romantic chapters in

American cotton history. From nearly a million running bales re- ported by the Census Bureau in 1902 the round-bale production fell to about 58,000 in 1914, a year in which the crop was of record size. The present round-bale press is a development of the last 20 years, during which it has undergone modification and improvement. Production of round bales has shown a rather consistent increase since

1914. In that year round-bale production was 58,000 running bales,

and counting round as half bales was about two-tenths of 1 per cent

of the crop. By 1928 it had reached about 675,000 running bales, or

2x

3

o per cent of the crop. Many advantages are claimed for the round bale. It occupies,

however, a position which is somewhat special owing to the fact

that the press patents have been closely held and that distribution

of the round-bale production has rested very largely in the hands of

those responsible for its development. Kecently the round-bale

press, of which formerly only the use was licensed, has been offered

for sale. Were, in addition, a more universal market to develop for

c-otton in this form, the round-bale package would doubtless com- mand a wider interest. The remaining discussion relates to the

square bale, which is the form in which about 97 to 98 per cent of

the crop is packaged at the present time.

The square bale as it is originally formed at the gin is variously

described as a gin bale, a country bale, or a flat bale. The grower

brings to the gin a load of seed cotton which has been weighed as picked and which is calculated to gin out one, two, or more even

bales without overplus. The wagonload is weighed, and the cotton

is generally drawn by suction into the gin. If the load contains more

than one bale the ginner undertakes to switch the flow of cotton from

one press box to another so as to make the bales of about even weight.

In general, the effort is to make a bale which weighs about 500 pounds

gross, but this is only approximate. In a study made in 1924-25

bales were found to vary from 300 to 700 pounds. Of about 6,000

bales examined in Texas, approximately 79 per cent fell in the range

450 to 550 pounds, with about 14 per cent heavier than 550 pounds

and 7 per cent lighter than 450 pounds. Of 2,061 bales examined in

Georgia, about 58 per cent fell in the range 450 to 550 pounds, with

12 per cent heavier than 550 pounds and 30 per cent lighter than 450

pounds. _ In Mississippi, of about 2,000 bales examined, 45 per cent

fell within the range, 14 per cent above, and 41 per cent below.

The gin bale takes the dimensions of the press box and comes out

about 54 inches long, 27 inches in thickness, and 48 inches in breadth.

With pressures ordinarily obtainable, the density is about 12 to 15

pounds to the cubic foot of volume. The bale is covered on two of

its sides and on the ends with a covering usually of heavy jute cloth, cut into two strips, each 3 yards, more or less, in length. It is bound
24 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

sometimes with five, but usually with six ties, ordinarily of 19 to

193/2 gage steel, if of an inch wide and about 11% feet long, weighing

sometimes 2 pounds each, but customarily iy2 pounds. The total weight of ties on the gin bale thus closely approximates 9 pounds.

The weight of bagging aims generally at about 12 pounds, but may

run from 5 to 20 pounds. Total tare weight of the gin bale—that is to say, the weight of the covering materials—has been rather traditionally set by the markets at 21 pounds, but it often varies several

pounds either way from this figure.

As the bale runs the market gauntlet to the mill it undergoes

sampling from time to time. In the sampling operation the bagging

between the bands is cut and several layers of lint are pulled out. To economize in transportation costs, gin bales are assembled near

their points of origin at compresses where they undergo total pres- sures ranging up to about 2,000 tons. In this process their volume

is reduced by about one-half. There are two degrees of compression,

the so-called standard compression, and high compression. The

standard compressed bale is elongated to about 56 inches, widened to about 28 inches, but reduced in thickness to about 18 inches. Its density is increased to about 22 to 28 pounds the cubic foot. It retains its original bagging but is given eight bands. These bands

are shortened to 8% feet, but the increase in number with the buckles

keeps the total weight of bands at about 9 pounds. As a measure of

protection and to reduce fire hazards, sample holes in the bagging are covered with patches which in most cases are applied to either side. The total weight of patches varies but usually ranges from 4 to 8

pounds.

Cotton which reaches the ports destined for export shipment is often further compressed to high density to take advantage of lower

ocean freight rates. The high density compression pressures are about the same as for standard density compression, but by closing

the press on the ends and sides the bale is narrowed a few inches

and molded into a more symmetrical and substantial package. At

the same time its density is increased to about 28 to 40 pounds the

cubic foot, depending upon its weight. The original bagging is retained. Patches may be changed or added at this time. The highdensity bale is given nine ties which are shortened to 7% feet and

their total weight remains still very close to 9 pounds, equalling the

weight of the six bands on the gin bale and of the eight bands on the

standard compressed bale. Although cotton to the value of a billion and a quarter to a billion

and a half dollars goes to market every year in square bales, the

square-bale package is not in step with the rhythm of American

progress. In a rough way it serves its purpose but its weaknesses continue to be, as for many years past, the subject of friendly reproach

from our customers in overseas markets. Its rents and tatters and

soiled contents in the company of neater-dressed bales from other

countries are an embarrassment to ourselves.

That the packaging of our raw cotton presents a genuine problem

has long been realized. Its various phases have had attention of

capable students from time to time in the past, and certain recognized improvements have been made. Among these improvements

should be mentioned standardization of the dimensions of gin press
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 25

boxes during the World War. The development of high-density

compression, which so far as is yet known is accomplished without

injury to the spinning properties of the fiber, is another.

And yet, notwithstanding the study and the efforts that have been

given to the problem, the square bale taken by and large falls short

of being a satisfactory package. Some of its shortcomings, in particular, are

:

First, inadequate protection of the contents due to the use of bagging materials which fail to withstand the wear and tear of shipment, resulting in waste and damage of the contents. Second, ragged unattractiveness of appearance due to the same

causes. Third, lack of uniformity in the weight of tare, resulting in uncertainty of the actual net weight of the contents and the conse- quent necessity of opening and stripping bales in the process of

distribution.

Fourth, overtaring, due principally to the operation of present

trading rules and the difficulty of determining under present conditions the weight of covering materials when once they have been

applied to the bale. Fifth, lack of even approximate uniformity in weight of contents. To keep within the allowable time limits it has seemed desirable

in this paper to hold the discussion rather strictly to questions of tare weights, with some reference also to protection of contents, and to

leave for another occasion the consideration of bale weights, which

present problems even more difficult. From the descriptions given earlier it will be observed that since

the weight of bands upon the bale remains for practical purposes

uniform, whether the package be in the form of a gin bale or be compressed to standard density or to high density, the causes of variations in the weight of tare are due principally to the bagging and

patches. Variation in the weight of bagging and patches is due to several different causes : First, the weight per yard of the materials

used is variable. Figures obtained for the three years 1926, 1927,

1928, indicate that in that period about 58 per cent of the crop was

covered with new jute bagging weighing about 2 pounds a yard,

about 11 per cent with rewoven bagging of approximately the same

weight, about 25 per cent with reclaimed sugar-bag cloth weighing

about 1% to 1% pounds a yard, and about 6 per cent with secondhand bagging of very uncertain weight. Second, the yardage of bagging applied to the bale is variable. The ginner does not usually

obtain bagging in the exact lengths in which it is to be applied to the bale, but in rolls from which the gin tender cuts for each bale

two pieces, each supposed to be about 3 yards long but which may be

considerably longer or shorter.

One of the most important contributing factors to variation in tare weights is found in the diversity of trade rules governing settle- ment weights and tare. In domestic business cotton is bought and

sold on the basis of the gross weight of the bale. American mill rules

allow 4.4 per cent of tare on uncompressed cotton and 4.8 per cent on compressed cotton, but in 1925 more than 20 different trade rules

governing weight of tare were found besides the State laws, which

in eight cases differed from each other. Cotton which is exported.
26 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS

however, is sold on a basis of its gross weight less 6 per cent. Methods of calculating tare are not uniform in various markets, but, in

general, each 100 bales is required to have not to exceed 900 pounds

of bands and a weight of bagging equal to 3T^ per cent of the total weight of the 100 bales less the weight of the bands. One could go

much further in detailing the intricacies of applying the rules on

underweight bales or overtared shipments. The important thing to observe, however, is that when a bale of cotton which leaves the gin

covered with 21 pounds, more or less, reaches a domestic mill in compressed form it may, if it weighs 500 pounds gross, cany '±\ pounds

of tare, but if it goes into export markets it may carry 26.2 pounds of

tare. Franchise provisions in some of the markets and weighing

technique allow this weight to be increased by another pound or more. The differences in the weights of tare between the gin bale and the

compressed bale as it reaches its mill destination either in this country

or abroad is made up by the weight of patches which are added to the

bale at the time of compressing. The added pounds of patches cost

less than the equivalent weight of cotton sells for. The cheaper the

patch, the greater the profit. So it happens that the diversity of tare rules in different markets has some curious consequences.

In examining these consequences it should be observed, first of all, that as a general proposition price competition in the cotton trade

obliges the seller in any market to add the last pound of tare that

the traffic will bear. Otherwise his competitor may be depended upon

to do so, and by counting the profit in the patch weights put himself

in position to undersell and get the business. The seller is handicapped, however, because unless he tests the tare of the cotton before

shipping it he is not in position to know, possibly within several

pounds, what the original tare weight of each bale was. Furthermore, he starts with bales of different weights, and even if the

original covering on each bale were of uniform weight, the tare weights would not be equal percentages of the gross weights of the

bales. The safe thing to do, therefore, is to add patches sufficiently

heavy to be sure that he has availed himself of all his rights. If the

seller in his effort to bring the tare weight up to the allowable maximum exceeds the limit, the buyer may, if he thinks fit, test the weight

of tare and claim reimbursement for the excess. Testing the tare involves opening and stripping a part of the bales, usually 10 per

cent, weighing the tare, and recompressing the bales. It is a tol- erably expensive operation. Usually the arrangement is that if the

buyer challenges and the bales prove not to be overtared the buyer

must pay the expense of the test. If the shipment is overtared the

seller pays this cost. In some markets it is rather customary for

buyers as a protection to their interests to tare a large part of the

shipments received. This is a charge upon distribution which the

American cotton crop has to bear. The entanglement of tare weights with sales prices may result also

in another unfortunate competitive situation. Reputable merchants,

whose business ethics hold them to strict observance of the rules,

point out that, in competing for the business of a buyer who is tol- erant of overtare, they can be undersold by a competitor who will

shade his price and compensate himself by patching to exceed the

tare limit.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 27

Another charge upon the handling of the crop is in the additional

handling and storage charges which the diverse tare rules entail.

As pointed out above, cotton going to export markets may carry

heavier patches than that which goes to domestic mills. If unsold

cotton is compressed to conserve storage space awaiting sale, the owner must decide whether to apply the lighter domestic patches or

the heavier export patches. If light patches are put on and the cot- ton is exported, it generally has to stand the expense of being again

compressed to have the heavier patches put on. If export patches

are put on and the cotton is sold in this country it must sustain

freight and other charges on excess weight.

To many people the task has seemed almost hopeless of this great

industry's changing its habits so that in place of raggedness and

damage cotton might have cover and protection; that in place of a

selling system confused and involved with a tare procedure as complex as can be conceived there might be a clean-cut merchandising

system for its distribution; that in place of adding to the crop an unneeded weight of covering the package could conform to its proper

purpose, namely, to contain and protect its contents through the

various processes of distribution. Others who have given thought

to the problem feel that it is not incapable of solution if an intelli- gent attack is made upon its causes. Of these there are many who

believe that a great part of the problem might be solved if all trading were based on net weights. There is, however, an understandable and, perhaps, justifiable hesitation on the part of cotton people to approve the net-weight principle unless coupled with some measure which will make obvious the actual tare on any bale

of cotton at any time. This means either tare standards or the

actual tare weight branded on each bale. Without detailing its disadvantages, the latter alternative may be dismissed as impracticable.

Tare standards may, therefore, be regarded as a prerequisite to net- weight trading.

There is reason to believe that the use of bagging and patches

definitely conforming to fixed standards of weight ought to remove any necessit}^ which may now exist for building up the gross weight

of bales with more or heavier patches than are actually needed to afford protection to bale weights, with savings in the cost of materials, of freight, of insurance, of interest, and of adjusting and

collecting buyers' claims for overtare. It should facilitate the

handling of the cotton crop by permitting cotton to be compressed

and stored without regard to the question of whether it is to be

ultimately sent to domestic or foreign mills. It would seem to promote fair trading by putting sellers on even terms with each other

so far as tare advantages are concerned. By protecting buyers from

the impositions of overtare it should eliminate the expense of

stripping and repressing bales in the taring process. Whether a single fabric or even a single material could be prescribed as standard is open to some doubt. For a crop of 15,000,000

bales, 90,000,000 yards of bagging and about 35,000,000 yards^ of

patches are required. Too severe limitation of covering materials

would tend to raise the cost of the material designated as standard

and increase the cost of covering the crop. There is no reason, however, why standards which would specify constructions, dimensions,
28 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

and weights might not be fixed for several kind- of bagging materials, provided the materials were different enough to be positively

and easily distinguishable.

With selling prices calculated on net weights there would be no

advantage in using heavy bagging materials or disadvantage in using

light bagging. Whichever material was the cheapest at any given

time would be used at that time, and the cost of baling the crop could

follow the lines of greatest economy. Were bagging and patch

standards to include in addition strength requirements, it is believed

that the destruction of bagging which now occurs so frequently in

shipment could be minimized with consequent increase in protection

of the contents and improved appearance of the package.

One factor which doubtless delays the change from gross to net weights is the apparent difficulty of making the transition. At whatever time tare standards might be established there would presumably be in the world upward of 2,500.000 bales of American cotton of nonuniform covering and tare, the merchandizing of which on net weights would be impracticable. To effect the transition without

undue hardship a sufficient period of time should be permitted to elapse between the time when all newly ginned cotton would carry

standard tare and the time when net-weight trading became effective. Some modification of trading rules on American cotton throughout

the world would also be necessary to accommodate the change. This,

however, seems to offer no great difficulty inasmuch as representatives of foreign markets have already expressed their willingness to cooperate in this way whenever in this country we are ready to go

forward.

The thought has occasionally been expressed that cotton growers

being thoroughly accustomed to selling their cotton by gross weight

would resent a change to net-weight selling which would compel the

deduction of the weight of tare in the settlement. To the extent that

growers are not informed of market practices and methods of calculating prices such an attitude might be expected. When, however,

it is realized that the total money consideration given for a bale of

cotton which is sold in export on its net weight is not less than that

given in this country when bought on its gross weight ; that the lack

of standards for tare and gross weight selling are productive of

unnecessary costs of distribution ; and that every unnecessary item of

cost reduces by that amount the share of the consumer's dollar which

remains for him, the grower may be depended upon to appreciate the

advantages of net weights. The simplification and savings which

tare standards and net-weight trading promise are sufficient to com- mend them to all who are interested in increasing cotton marketing

efficiency and reducing its costs. (During the presentation of this paper. Mr. Palmer illustrated by

means of lantern slides a number of the matters discussed.)

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

Mr. Sweeney. Mr. Chairman, may I ask as to whether they weigh

that cotton before or after it is pressed ? Mr. Palmer. The wagonload of cotton is weighed before it goes

into the gin. The bale is pressed in the gin press, is then covered,

and comes out ; then it is weighed again.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 29

Mr. Sweeney. Why could you not establish an approximate weight

of material used in the tare, have a standard approximate weight for

a bale of cotton, and require that a certain percentage or poundage

be deducted for the tare. For instance, if the material you put on

that cotton weighs 9 or 10 pounds, and if the bale weighed 400

pounds, gross, then you would immediately deduct 10 pounds for

the tare and have a net weight of 390 pounds. Thereby you would

have a uniform condition covering baled cotton. Mr. Stovall. Has the United States Department of Agriculture

ever conducted any experiments as to the moisture content of jute

bagging? They tell us you can not wrap jute bagging without

sprinkling it and when you put it in the sun it will lose as much as 4 or 5 pounds. Do you think that much moisture should go in jute

bagging \ Mr. Palmer. I think not. Mr. Stovall. We get some bagging that looks as if it had been

dipped.

The Chairman. In reference to the next paper I would remind the

members of the conference that we have one or more papers from

representatives of industries in which the weights and measures offi- cials are especially concerned. Paul E. Hadlick is secretary of the

division of marketing of the American Petroleum Institute. Prior

to his connection with the institute he was associated for six years

with the State Oil Men's Association of Minnesota; during that

period he had frequent contact with the Minnesota department of

weights and measures, and is, accordingly, no stranger to the activities or the viewpoint of the weights and measures officials. Mr.

Hadlick will speak this afternoon with particular reference to regulations relating to grease-measuring devices.

COOPERATION WITH WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OFFICIALS

By Paul E. Hadlick, Representing the American Petroleum Institute Mr. Chairman and members of the conference, I come before you

gentlemen to-day as a representative of the American Petroleum

Institute. This institute, as you may know, represents 95 per cent of the refining capacity of the oil industry. It is the trade association

of the oil industry with membership in every State in the Union.

Having been in Minnesota and worked with Oscar Smith for many

years I know the burdens of the State inspectors, and we at all time's have tried to help one another so that our burdens would be lightened, and I hope that the oil men throughout the country work with

you gentlemen. If there is ever occasion where there seems to be

unnecessary friction, I know you can call on me and I shall try

to eliminate it at once, because it not only hinders your work, but it hinders the progress of the industry and defeats the purpose of your

laws relating to weights and measures. Recently the American Petroleum Institute divided its activities

into the branches of production, refining, and marketing. Thus the

institute is equipped to consider directly, and we hope efficiently,

any problems in relation to marketing—of which the matter of" establishing accurate weighing and measuring devices for petroleum

products is one. It is the ambition of our division of marketing to
30 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

work with you gentlemen that accurate measure of petroleum products may always be assured, and that the burdens placed upon you

and your personnel may be lightened.

As secretary of the division of marketing of the American Petroleum Institute, I am in contact with the operating personnel of

practically all of the oil companies who make up our membership.

The division of marketing is accorded the position of official spokesman for the oil industry when matters pertaining to marketing

problems are approached. As such spokesman, it becomes my duty

to appear before you gentlemen in an official capacity and present

the views of the industry on a matter of vital importance.

The demand for grease-measuring devices comes only for the

serving of grease in the differential and transmission of automotive

equipment. This was brought out by Mr. Smith in his paper. If we go back a number of years we will find that it was customary

to set a barrel of grease on the curbstone in front of a garage, or at the service station, and serve the grease direct to the differential and

transmission from such barrel through a hand-operated pump. Then

there were developed hand-operated dispensing units for the 100-

pound drum and the 400-pound barrel, and the hand-operated 25-

pound grease bucket, as a matter of convenience to operators. For,

perhaps, the last 10 years these three hand-operated dispensing

pumps on the 400-pound barrel, the 100-pound drum, and the 25-

pound bucket, have been the standard equipment for the dispensing

of grease into differential and transmission by the oil industry. The

grease dispensed by such equipment was first sold by the pound, and

later by the shot or stroke.

Two years ago when the code of specifications and tolerances for

grease-measuring devices was first proposed, the oil industry welcomed any suggested changes that would enable them to render a

better public service. A year ago a group of oil men, through the

American Petroleum Institute, met with one of your committees and

not only approved the fundamentals of the code, but made several

valuable suggestions that were incorporated in the code as finally

adopted. I think that fact indicates the attitude of the oil industry,

which has traditionally been one of working with you people in a

constructive manner. We are with you again to-day in the same

spirit of cooperation. I have talked with a great many members of the American

Petroleum Institute recently. These conversations bear out the

following facts:

1. That since the adoption of the proposed code at your last conference a number of large oil companies have made a diligent

effort to secure grease-measuring equipment that complied with

the code, and which would be favorably passed upon by the State

sealers.

2. That as far back as January certain large oil companies an- nounced through communications to the equipment manufacturers

that it was their desire to anticipate the effective date of your code

by then purchasing suitable equipment.

3. That as late as March of this year there were only two companies that produced equipment which they claimed complied with

the code. Only one of these manufacturers could supply the three
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 31

necessary types of dispensing equipment; the other company could

only supply one of the three types commonly used in the industry.

Furthermore, both companies claim their equipment is protected by

basic patents.

4. Within the last 60 days two other manufacturers have brought on the market units which they claim have been submitted to some

of the State sealers for approval. Within this short space of time

the oil industry has not had the opportunity to put the equipment

in use or test it to determine its accuracy, efficiency, and

dependability.

5. At this very moment, so far as we are able to ascertain, no

equipment manufacturer has a complete line of hand-operated

equipment comprising the three necessary units, namely, the 400-

pound barrel, the 100-pound drum, and the 25-pound bucket, that

have been approved by any State east of the Rocky Mountains.

6. It is our understanding that a number of equipment manufacturers have encountered mechanical and other difficulties in

endeavoring to perfect the grease-measuring units to comply with

the code as^well as securing the approval of the State sealers.

7. To put the code into effect this coming July 1 would be tanta- mount to forcing the oil companies to equip their stations and

dealers with equipment that, considered in the most charitable light,

is still in an experimental stage.

8. The oil industry has purchased some of the present units on the

market, and is willing to purchase more of them when they are approved by sealers, and aid the equipment companies in their

experimental work so that difficulties inherent in the manufacture of

any radical new equipment may be overcome.

9. If the proposed code becomes effective July 1, it could not be

complied with in a general way because no manufacturer is able to furnish a complete line, the supply of equipment would be grossly

inadequate, and its production would be in the hands of so few

companies as to exclude the oil companies from purchasing such

equipment in a proper competitive market.

The oil industry welcomes any code, however drastic the requirements may be, so long as such a code is uniformly interpreted by

the various sealers and promotes better public service. The oil industry, through the American Petroleum Institute, has

always worked along the lines of assuring the public of accurate measure, of aiding the State sealers and the Bureau of Standards

in promoting better public service. We, therefore, only ask that a

reasonable postponement of the effective date of the code of specifications and tolerances for grease-measuring devices be granted in

order that the equipment manufacturers may develop, perfect, and

secure the sealers' approval of hand-operated grease-dispensing units to comply with your code.

In view of the facts presented above, and the cooperation that at

all times has been extended by the oil industry, we feel that it is only just and proper for this body to grant a reasonable extension of

time as requested.

Gentlemen, I am very thankful for your very kind attention.

Thank you.
32 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

Mr. Ragland. Mr. Chairman, this is a matter of importance, and

I have some questions which I would like Mr. Hadlick to answer. Mr. Hadlick, in 1928 this conference adopted tentative specifications.

Was not the American Petroleum Institute familiar with those ten- tative specifications ? Mr. Hadlick. I believe they were : yes. Mr. Ragland. Yes, they were; and now you come here and tell us that the oil men " do not believe." Excuse me. We do not care what the oil men believe ; we are working in the public interest. You

set out in your magazine what you believe.

Mr. Hadlick. Mr. Ragland, let me answer your question. We have

nothing to hide. The publicity was sent out that the oil men were coming down to ask for an extension. If there is anything underhanded about that, I would like to know it. The publicity was pre- pared in my office. If we had said nothing about it and came down

without advance notice before this bod}7 and asked for an extension

of time, I think we might be taking an unfair advantage. We stand on the merits of my proposition.

Mr. Ragland. Did we not give you 13 months to get ready for the

enforcement of these specifications?

Mr. Hadlick. We have tried. We can not make the equipment.

We are not in the equipment business.

Mr. Ragland. What efforts have you made to buy the equipment ? Mr. Hadlick. We have asked the equipment people for it. Mr. Ragland. I can show you that my burenu has approved as many as 10 equipments.

Mr. Hadlick. Are you speaking of the air-operated equipment ? Mr. Ragland. I am speaking of the specifications which require

that all grease-measuring devices must be equipped with an indicator

so that one can determine in pints the amount of grease delivered.

Mr. Hadlick. I think you are taking a very antagonistic view

of this. I am perfectly open and above board.

Mr. Ragland. All right. May I ask what companies have made

efforts since the last conference to comply with these regulations,

other than in Richmond? The companies are doing it in Richmond.

Mr. Hadlick. Yes ; I can tell that a great many companies are in

the market for the equipment, but are they to buy it when it is alto- gether in the experimental stage ? Richmond is not the only place

in the United States. Mr. Ragland.

Mr. Ragland. I feel that it is. Certainly we have evidence of

this—that Richmond has approved as satisfactory 12 or 14 different

grease-measuring devices. What oil companies have made appropriations for equipment? Have you made any appropriation for

them?

Mr. Hadlick. I could not ask you to speak for the State of Virginia or the city of Ricliniond, except in your capacity. Now, I am

not in the operating department of any company. I am in the

American Petroleum Institute. However, I will be glad to call upon

representatives of the various companies who are here, and they

will be glad to answer your question.

Mr. Ragland. How many companies have continued to put out oldstyle equipment, regardless of our specifications?
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE OX WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 33

Mr Hadlick. I do not know. I will say that there is no desire on

the part of the oil companies to increase the amount of equipment of

the old style at this time. I know companies that have discontinued

purchasing, who would rather put in new equipment.

Mr. Ragland. You know companies are now holding up contracts

to see what we will do to-day.

Mr. Hadlick. You do not blame them.

Mr. Ragland. Do you know that since 1928, through my good

friend. Mr. Fuller, the grease proposition has been enforced in

California ? Mr. Hadlick. I believe that is right.

Mr. Ragland. You said there were two or three units that you

knew of. Are there not more than three ? Mr. Hadlick. I do not know that there are more than three. Mr. Ragland. You ought to know. Look at them [handingpaper] : there they are. Mr. Hadlick. You tell me. The city of Richmond is but one city

in the United States. YvTiat company, for example, do you know of

that can supply the dealers with approved units to serve from 25-

pound. 100-pound, and 400-pound containers? What company is putting out a full line that has had the approval of all of the States, or if it has had the approval of some of the States, what States are they?

Mr. Ragland. I will not name companies. I am not advertising them.

Is there any oil company that you know of that could not get ap- proved grease-measuring equipment because the manufacturers could

not guarantee delivery?

Mr. Hadlick. I will refer you to one of the purchasing agents.

Mr. Malone, can you answer that question? I am not trying to pass

the buck, but trying to get some information for you.

Mr. Malone. I can answer your question by saying there is not a company that could supply the industry to-day with sufficient equipment that would enable it to comply with the code as of July 1, 1930.

Mr. Ragland. Have you tried to buy this equipment ? Mr. Malone. Yes ; we have tried to buy. Will you please name to me any concern that has these three pumps, approved by State sealers

east of the Rocky Mountains?

Mr. Ragland. I am not going to advertise.

Mr. Malone. We are very much interested.

Mr. Ragland. Do you know of any oil companies that wanted to make contracts for needed grease equipment during the past three

months that the manufacturers refused to accept on account of not

being able to handle the business?

Mr. Malone. Yes ; our company announced as far back as January

of this year that we were willing then to invest our money in equipment that would pass the approval of State sealers in the district

where we operate. We have yet to find any company that can furnish the three units that we are talking about.

Mr. Ragland. Why do the companies figure that they will require

a large number of pieces of apparatus when they are" permitted to

use equipment already installed in the field?
34 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Mr. Maloxe. You know that when any new piece of equipment comes on the market everybody wants it.

" When the new equipment comes on the market, approved by all State sealers, everybody

will want it. and that automatically obsoletes all other equipment.

Mr. Raglaxd. I think I have made it perfectly clear that this i- a smoke screen. Mr. Hadlick. If the Chair will permit. Mr. Ragland has brought

up some questions and innuendos and inferences of unfairness and I do not like it. Mr. Malone has a list which comprises all of the manufacturers of

grease-measuring equipment known to Mr. Holbrook. I added some

companies that I had and Mr. Malone carried on a long correspondence with those companies. I think Mr. Holbrook has the original

correspondence. I said I thought only two or three were ready to furnish equipment complying with specifications. Mr. Ragland talks as though there are a dozen. I would like Mr. Malone to read the

list.(Seceetaey's Note.—In the discussion which follows, the names of a number

of manufacturers of grease-measuring equipment were mentioned. Since ir is not considered advisable to include these names in the record they have been

deleted, j Mr. Maloxe. The firm first on the list is a general contractor and

apparently have bought patents held by another company. They

have no literature describing the equipment.

Mr. Grttfith. TYnat is the date of that correspondence ? Mr. Malone. This correspondence starts March 14 and ends April

23. 1930. Mr. Raglaxd. That is a rather late date to start. Mr. Maloxe. No : I wrote Mr. Holbrook on March 4 and told him

that after diligent effort we found nobody who could supply us with

the equipment that would meet the various State requirements. Mr.

Holbrook countered, telling me that he was quite surprised, that he

understood through trade papers that some concerns were prepared

to furnish proper equipment. He mentioned that he had a list comprising the names of some 32 companies in all who manufactured

grease equipment. I wrote back and told him I would appreciate

his sending me the names of the 32 and that I would be glad to canvass each one of them and see what they had to offer. That wa:> done, and Mr. Holbrook has my original file. Xow. this, that I am

reading, is a resume of what we found at that time.

The next company on the list has apparently discontinued the

manufacture of grease guns. The equipment manufactured by the

nest company is an air container, using air pressure with meter. The next, company does not manufacture measuring equipment : they

apparently are not familiar with the specifications nor interested in the manufacture of equipment in compliance.

The next company does not manufacture meter equipment and

apparently does not intend to be " bothered with new requirements."

as they put it in their letter. The only equipment the next company has to offer is a portable

air-operated unit for lubricating pin fittings, and this is not the type

of equipment we have under discussion. The next has a pressure

grease tank which could not be used in places where a grease pump
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 35

and so-called 100-pound units have been used in the past without a tremendous increase in investment. The next is not in position to furnish equipment as they were under direct contract for their entire

output. The equipment of the next company is also air operated.

The next company is manufacturing only a high-pressure grease

gun, and has not any grease-measuring devices ready for release. The equipment of the next company is also air operated. The next

company principally manufactures garage equipment. Their grease

bucket has no measuring device.

The next company apparently has no equipment in production

but seems to be the only concern that is interested in the manufacture of grease-measuring devices that could be placed on each of

the present grease containers. The next two companies do not

manufacture grease-measuring devices. The next company was the

only concern that was marketing equipment similar to equipment

used to-day, with the addition of an indicating device, but they only

had approval on the west coast. The next are strictly jobbers handling lubricating equipment manufactured by others. The next was

the only concern that could produce the three units that we speak of,

and they had, at that time, the approval of only five State sealers and of the city of Richmond.

Mr. Ragland. That alone ought to put it over. Mr. Malone. The next company does not manufacture grease- measuring devices. The next unit is air operated and has not been

approved by all the States. The next company contemplates building differential grease pumps, but had nothing to offer at that time.

They have since come out—on May 14—with an advertisement that

they have a piece of equipment ; they go on to say it is not in production and it will pay to wait.

The next letter best illustrates the trouble that the manufacturers

have in producing equipment. At the present time they have nothing to offer. The next company replied in answer to a letter addressed to another company. Triey did not have anything to offer,

but are jobbing the unit of another manufacturer. The next does not

manufacture any grease-dispensing units to meet the specifications

of the National Conference on Weights and Measures.

There were four more concerns that we wrote on four different

occasions, but we have not had a word from any one of them.

Now, if you will permit me, to bring this down to date, since our

efforts to get equipment there has been quite an effort—in the last 60 days—to bring something out in a hurry. That has been done by

the outfit that you have approved at Kichmond.

Mr. Ragland. I will prove there are more than that. Mr. Malone. I am perfectly willing to be shown, and you will

have your time later. These people, as late as May 21, turned over to an eastern company

the right to manufacture their apparatus, but to this minute they

have not secured approval, with the exception of the city of Richmond, east of the Rockies.

There is one other concern that has one unit of the three that we

are talking about, that fits into a 100-pound drum that has received

the approval of five States and the city of Richmond. There is an- other concern, which I mentioned, that can produce the three, but

as yet has only produced two of the three, and has submitted them
36 BUUEAU OF STANDARDS

to not more than three States. They have secured, to my knowledge,

the approval of the bucket and the 100-pound drum. I would be

very glad to know of any other manufacturer that has equipment of

the type we are talking about.

Mr. Raglaxd. You mentioned the — company. Did you try to place a contract with that company.

Mr. Maloxe. That is not the type of equipment we are looking

for.Mr. Raglaxd. And the kind of equipment we want is the kind of

equipment that the specifications demand; that is, a grease device

equipped with auxiliary equipment to determine in pints the amount

of grease dispensed. Have you tried to buy the equipment ? Mr. Malone. We have, for you, down in Richmond. Where else has it been approved?

Mr. Raglaxd. Have you tried the ? Mr. Maloxe. That is a separate meter. Mr. Raglaxd. Have you tried the company?

Mr. Malone. Yes ; I have read what they said.

Mr. Raglaxd. There [indicating] is the approval of that gun.

Mr. Malone. Those are all your approvals. As we said before,

we do not sell only in Richmond, but all over the country.

Mr. Raglaxd. When you try to throw a smoke barrier

Mr. Satbolt (interposing). Pardon me. If ou imply an unfairness on the part of the Petroleum Institute which I think is unfair, and

I take an exception to it. You can not back up your charge of

unfairness on the part of the Petroleum Institute.

Mr. Raglaxd. I can prove any statement you want to mention.

Doctor Burgess, I do not care to take up any time in further dis- cussion, and I will make a motion now that the conference on

weights and measures in session here to-day refuses to put up with

this postponement on one cause or another; that we will not have

any postponement but that the program, as adopted last year, effec- tive July 1, 1930, shall go into effect. The Chairman. I am afraid, Mr. Ragland, your motion is not

in order.

Mr. Bae321. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say in defense of Mr.

Hadlick and Mr. Malone, that it has been very difficult to know how

the specifications would be interpreted and "what will satisfy the

sealers of weights and measures—what sort of device it will take

to meet the requirements. I think if it is definitely understood what

sort of device is required, that will clear up the situation. I think

it is lack of this knowledge that has prevented the manufacturers

from going ahead.

Mr. Maroxey. Mr. Chairman, we are very fortunate in having

with us to-day an engineer of a large company, whose letters are on

file here. I believe he can give a synopsis of what has been done.

The Chairmax. I would be very glad to hear from him.

Mr. Carriger. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference, in

case you do not understand my position, I feel that in fairness I

should state that I represent a manufacturing company. As a representative of that company, I am compelled to support Mr. Malone

in the statements he has made. Up to the present time we have not

been able to develop the devices required by the industry to meet the
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 37

specifications of the code. This is not because we have not tried

we have spent thousands of dollars—but because of lack of time we

have been unable to get around to the various sealers and obtain a

general universal interpretation of what the code demanded. We

made devices and took them to one sealer and, perhaps, would get his

tentative approval. In the next State approval might be refused.

Acting on the suggestion of the second man we would add something

to the device and receive his approval. However, when we went to the third man he might disapprove the device.

The people in Washington have been very fair, and I think they

will bear me out when I say that it is possible that an amendment

will be added to these specifications, and I submit that the specifications were not clear or they would not have to submit an amendment at this time.

There is no intention on our part, as manufacturers, to delay the

manufacture of grease-dispensing devices that will meet the requirements of the oil companies and come within the code, because manufacturing equipment is our business. When we can make them we

can sell them. When we sell them sometimes we make some money.

That is how we exist, and I feel that I must support Mr. Malone

with all the force at my command. Our failure to get equipment on the market has not been due to lack of diligence, but to our

inability to get a clear understanding of what was wanted. We

want to make devices complying with a broad interpretation of the

code.

We are here seeking knowledge. We came down to get an idea

of what you want. We are going back to our plant and, gentlemen, we are going to develop grease outfits just as quickly as we can and

just as well as we can; we want them to be as perfect as we can make them and within the rulings of the code.

Mr. Griffith. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the gentleman

if the regulations and specifications that were promulgated here

two years ago did not make it clear to him what was desired. Did we not tell you what we want?

Mr. Carriger. The specifications were not clear to us, and the

opinions of the sealers bear me out. Mr. Eagland. Did you fail to understand what we wanted or was it a doubt as to what the Petroleum Institute wanted ? Mr. Carriger. The latter phase was not given consideration.

Our sole endeavor was to get something that the sealers wanted.

Mr. Griffith. Those specifications were promulgated after due

deliberation; a year elapsed and they were reiterated with a tentative specification added. Now I would like to ask Mr. Smith a

question. Mr. Smith, in your paper you mentioned some 10 different types. I would like to ask if any of those complied with

the specifications.

Mr. Smith. As I stated in my paper, no effort was made in my

analysis to determine whether or not the units discussed were in

compliance with the code of the conference. The idea of my paper was to describe what is on the market and how the various units

operate.

Mr. Griffith. In your unofficial observation did you make note

as to which complied with specifications ?
38 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Mr. Smith. I would not be prepared to say from my unofficial observation whether any of them did or did not. Mr. Griffith. I think there are some other grease-measuring device manufacturers represented here and it might be well to hear

from some of them who have successfully met the specifications.

While I have heard the speakers through, pro and con, I want to say

that in Baltimore, Md., there are five different machines for dispensing grease which, according to my interpretation, comply with the

specifications, and that will be approved as long as they measure

accurately.

Mr. Ragland. I would like to ask Mr. Carriger whether his com- pany did not instruct their salesmen not to try to sell grease-measuring devices because there is no profit in it. Mr. Carriger. No; that is not true. Mr. Ragland. Doctor Burgess, I want to make this statement and

then I am through.

I attended this conference last year. I went before the committee.

We had a very pleasant talk—they are a bunch of very sensible men

and they said to me

Ragland, you are premature. We are going to put these specifications out as they are, and we are going to put a footnote at the end of the code, to read as

follows

:

" General Note.—Device to indicate exhaustion of supply.—The conference

goes on record to the effect that it is its opinion that such a device as is mentioned in the following paragraph is a very desirable one, but considers that the time is not yet ripe to recommend its adoption. The 'conference

suggests, however, that at some future time steps may be taken to incorporate the following paragraph in the code of specifications. "All grease-measuring devices shall be provided with a device which will make the unit inoperable when the supply of grease or transmission oil has

reached a point where the accuracy of delivery would be affected, or shall be

so constructed as to warn the purchaser and the operator in a conspicuous

and distinct manner that the level of the supply is so low as to endanger the accuracy of the measurement." We have put you on notice. The Bureau of Standards has had

this printed and we have done everything we could. I believe you

have judgment and confidence in my judgment. I believe all the

time that is necessary has been allowed, and I am going to close by

telling you that I know there will be no postponement.

Mr. Fuller. I would like to say to the delegates that in California, where we have already put these specifications into effect,

there are eight or nine devices complying fully with these specifications, and I can assure you that we put them to as thorough a test as would be required anywhere.

Mr. Spaeth. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I have no objection to the new specifications from the manufacturer's standpoint. I think

it should be required to sell commodities by weights and measures

absolutely, and if the requirement is that you must do it, that is all there is to it. Now you gentlemen know that when you have a 100-pound drum,

and it is 33 or 25 per cent empty, and a. man comes in for 10 pints or

10 pounds, nine times out of ten the grease does not flow, and unless

the operator wants to be honest he will give you about 7 pounds

instead of 10 pounds due to sucking up air. I have tried it from

A to Z. Now, here is a thing I wrote up yesterday in a hurry

:
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 39

What are the problems in dispensing differential and transmission

grease from a customer's and operator's standpoint, as compared

with oil? In the first place, a customer specifies and receives a pre- determined quantity of oil and has positive means to check the operator, which is impossible when it comes to purchasing transmission

grease. He simply states, " Fill up my transmission or differential,''

without knowing the amount required or received. Now what is the

operator up against? When dispensing oil, he has positive means

to check up his quantity in storage, in the form of a gage stick. He uses visible means, such as a measure or bottle, and simply

counts the number of quarts or pints he transfers to the crank

case—without a counter, by the way.

What about grease ? I have prepared a few questions and answers

in this relation which I will read. "Can a customer specify the

quantity of grease to be purchased? " The answer is "No." "Has

the customer a positive means to check up the operator to determine

the quantity received and paid for?" The answer is "No." "Has

the operator positive means to check his supply ? " The answer is "No." "Why not?" The answer is, "The container may be half

full along sides and at a minimum at intake or there may be air

pockets in the grease."

"Is material dispensed by visible means ? " Answer—" No."

"Has operator positive means to show what transpires when turn- ing crank handle back and forth? " Answer—"No." "Why not?"

" It is practically impossible to check supply, and delivery is made

by invisible means and from invisible supply." "Will a counter or meter attached to crank-type pump measure correctly ? " Answer—"No." "Why not?" Answer—"For the reason that they

register pump strokes only." " Is a counter for individual sales now

used?" Answer—"Such is proposed." "Will it have any bearing on correct measure ? " Answer—" No."

In conclusion, since it is the accepted practice to purchase all commodities by either weights or measures, and since the transactions

are supervised by State departments of weights and measures, the

first consideration should be to devise a device that will eliminate the

unknown quantities outlined above. The addition of various acces- sories to present-day equipment, such as meter and counter, will not

solve problems at hand, and simply means a bill of expense to the

operator without accomplishing the object.

Now, what is the answer ? The answer is to provide visible means

to show the customer and operator that grease is dispensed 100 per

cent with definite visible means to show that supply is not exhausted.

The answer is the last paragraph in last year's specifications and that

is the only answer to this problem that w

T ill be perfectly fair to both

the customer and the operator.

Mr. Barrett. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, what I have to say

is this : In answer to the comments you have just heard, it is granted

that the devices which are nowT available do not in every case indi- cate when the supply reaches exhaustion, and that is a condition that

has not yet been perfected. Still, are we to fail to go halfway, or

rather fail to go three-fourths of the way, because we can not go all
40 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

the way? Let us adopt what we can do and work for what we can hope for in the future.

Another point is this: The statement has been made by various

companies that none of the equipment manufacturers to-day manufacture all three of the kinds of equipment needed. I can not speak

positively as to this, but I do not believe that is of particular importance. If we can not get all three from one company we can get one land of equipment from one company and from another we can

get another kind. The fact is, I do not know of any of the larger companies who get all of their equipment exclusively from one pump

manufacturer; so they only suppose that they must purchase all of

their 25-pound, 100-pound, and 400-pound equipment from one

manufacturer.

In connection with the availability of equipment that meets the

specifications, I realize that the oil companies have various problems,

not the least of which is the securing of equipment at modest prices.

Sometimes that is a very predominating problem, under marketing

conditions; but I do know that equipment is manufactured which

meets the specifications laid down by this conference last year. When

these regulations were proposed last year that type of equipment was

available in large quantities. It is now being sold in lots of thousands of units, and it can be sold in many times the quantity that

it is now being sold. I do know that there are manufacturers—iny

own company included—who make devices in accordance with the

specifications of even7 State which requires such approval, and that, I think, is the answer to the discussion that has been brought up this

afternoon. Equipment is available that meets the specifications.

Now, whether it meets the requirements of price is another question,

although here again, the price, I believe, is very modest and offers a not insurmountable obstacle. Mr. Hadlick. Do you put out equipment to comply with specifications ? Mr. Barrett. We manufacture meters only.

Mr. Hadlick. Has your meter been approved in every State \ Mr. Barrett. Yes; in every State in which approval is now

required.

Mr. Hadlick. How many States?

Mr. Barrett. To the best of my knowledge, California, Massachusetts, Virginia, Vermont, and other States that I know require

specific approval.

Mr. Hadlick. What companies have you sold them to?

Mr. Barrett. Principally to three, but there are a half dozen

others who are purchasing in greater or less quantities.

The code specifically mentions that while it is desirable to indicate

exhaustion of supply this is not insisted upon at present. Therefore, our meter complies with the code.

May I mention this point, which I think is essential. The elimination of air presents quite a problem. Any meter which is to record

must be a positive displacement meter. It is very natural, therefore, that it will register air the same as grease. Therefore, the

solution of the problem is to avoid the registration of air by keeping
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE OX WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 41

all air out of the meter line and that is the function of the tank or

the bucket in which the meter is set. That can be done by means

that are now available, as many of you will agree. Mr. Raglaxd. Do you not think the oil companies in the United

States, if they had wanted to comply with the specifications, could

have gotten all the equipment needed and a little more besides?

Mr. Barrett. You have made a point that I had hoped would be

brought up. We have found a lack of interest on the part of the

grease customers. Mr. Tixkey. I would like to state that this code of specifications

and tolerances for grease-measuring devices was adopted tentatively

by the conference in 1928 and. after considerable discussion, it was

agreed that the code should not become effective before July 1, 1930.

Now. I would like to explain that in Ohio when we decided on the

date of July 1, 1930, to adopt the code permanently, that did not means that on July 2 everybody would have to have a measuring

device to correspond with the code. We did not expect that. But we expected grease-measuring devices, in compliance with the code,

would be put into service and that, perhaps, during the next year

there would be many more. Now is not that fair?

Mr. Hadlick. Yes ; but automatically every dealer will want them.

Mr. Tixkey. And we will approve them as fast as we can. The Chairmax. The author of the paper asked for a postponement

of the date for the putting into effect of the code of specifications

and tolerances for grease-measuring devices. Is there any member

of the conference that would care to make a motion on that point ? (No motion was made.)

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

ON MODIFICATION OF SPECIFICATIONS FOR GREASE-MEASURING

DEVICES. PRESENTED BY F. S. HOLBROOK, CHAIRMAN

Your Committee on Specifications and Tolerances has reviewed

the code on grease-measuring devices and has only one amendment

to propose, namely, an amendment to specification No. 3 in relation

to a indication of delivery."

The first portion of this specification now reads as follows:

3. Indication of Delivery.—All grease-measuring devices shall be so de- signed and constructed that the initial zero condition and the amount delivered

in terms of liquid measure shall be clearly and definitely indicated by automatic means * * *. It is now recommended that the specification be amended to read

as follows

:

3. Indication of Delivery.—All grease-measuring devices shall be so de- signed and constructed that the initial zero condition and the total amount

delivered to an individual purchaser shall be clearly and definitely indicated

in terms of liquid measure * by automatic means : Provided, however, That the

capacity of the registering or tallying device demanded by the above shall not be required to be more than 5 pints: And provided further, That a device

in use at the time these specifications take effect shall not be required to comply with the above requirement for automatic indication of the amount de- livered when the device delivers, within the tolerances hereinafter provided, a

unit quantity of a pint, a multiple of the pint, or a binary submultiple of the

pint per stroke or per cycle of its operating elements, and when, in addition, the device is conspicuously or permanently marked to indicate the value of

this unit quantity.
42 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

* Note.—Devices which at the time of adoption of these regulations in any

jurisdiction are marked to deliver in pounds rather than in pints and which

in other respects conform to the retroactive sections of this code or are sus- ceptible of being made so to conform, should not be condemned and confiscated on this ground alone, but the word " pound " should be obliterated wherever it occurs and the word "pint" substituted therefor. In this case the device should be readjusted if necessary. Note.—The requirement for a tallying device, contained in the foregoing

specification, shall not be put into force and effect prior to July 1, 1931. (Signed) F. S. Holbrook, Chairman.

I. L. Miller,

A. W. Schwartz,

Charles M. Fuller,

Committee on Specifications and Tolerances. Mr. Eagland. I move that the report of the committee be adopted.

(The motion was seconded, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

(At this point, at 4.57 o'clock p. m., the conference adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m., Wednesday, June 4, 1930.)
THIRD SESSION (MORNING OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE

4, 1930)

The conference reassembled at 10.06 o'clock a. m., at the Bureau

of Standards, Dr. George K. Burgess, president, in the chair.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR ODOMETERS, PRESENTED BY F. S. HOLBROOK, CHAIRMAN

Your committee on specifications and tolerances was requested

last year to prepare a code of specifications and tolerances for odometers, which are machines for measuring the distance traveled by

vehicles, especially automobiles, to which they are attached. These

machines are of several general types. One type of odometer, called

the hubodometer, is attached directly to the hub of the vehicle;

another odometer, which may be mounted on the instrument board or elsewhere about the vehicle, is driven by a cable attached to the

transmission or to a front wheel; a third is the mileage-recording

portion of a " speedometer " assembly of the usual type.

Of course, as weights and measures officials, you will be interested

in only a few of the odometers in use. Obviously you will not be

concerned with odometers on private cars. However, odometers are frequently used commercially, and they may be put to uses which

may be designated as quasi-commercial; for instance, under the fol- lowing conditions: (1) An odometer on a " drive-yourself " car, when the charge made for the hire of the vehicle is based, wholly

or partly, on the number of miles traveled by the vehicle and registered by the odometer; (2) an odometer which may be used, in some

jurisdictions, in regular taxicab service; (3) an odometer used for

the purpose of determining the amount to be paid for liability insurance, when the liability insurance is not on a basis of a flat rate per

car but is on a basis or miles traveled ; (4) an odometer used for the

purpose of the assessment of taxes when a tax against a public

vehicle for the use of city or State roads is on a mileage basis. It

is such uses as the above which may bring the instrument within the

jurisdiction of the weights and measures official and which make

advisable the adoption of a code of specifications and tolerances.

Copies of the recommendations of your committee have already

been placed in your hands.

In accordance with the usual custom, words shown in italics are intended to be nonretroactive. As in the case of all new codes, your

committee recommends this code for tentative adoption only.

Respectfully submitted.

(Signed) F. S. Holbrook, Chairman,

A. W. Schwartz,

Charles M. Fuller,

I. L. Miller,

Committee on /Specifications and Tolerances.

43
44 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE REPORT

Mr. Holbrook. The introductory material, the definition, and

specification No. 1 read as follows

:

Notes.-—The following specifications and tolerances shall apply to odometers

in those cases in which odometers are used or to be used commercially—that is, to determine charges for hire of a vehicle—and such use shall be permitted only

when these specifications and tolerances are complied with. Whenever odometer

readings form the basis for the payment of fees or taxes to or for the preparation of reports for governmental agencies, for the determination of insurance

premiums, or in other such cases, and weights and measures officials undertake

to inspect and test such odometers, what follows is recommended as the basis for such examinations ; the requirements should be applied in so far as they are

applicable and not modified by the conditions surrounding the special use.

It is strongly urged that compliance with the tolerances be determined by the performance of the complete assembly installed on the vehicle with which it is to be used, in a road test over a measured course. During such test the vehicle

shall carry an average load and the tires shall be inflated to normal pressure recommended by the manufacturer of the tires. It is recognized that physical limitations, such as very heavy traffic conditions

in the vicinity of the place where the tests of odometers must be made, may in certain instances preclude the possibility of the road test recommended. Necessarily in such cases some other method of test must be resorted to. The only

other method of test which is at all adequate is that known as the " wheel test," which is a test of the entire odometer assembly when mounted upon a vehicle, the mechanism being actuated by the mechanical revolution of the vehicle wheel while the car remains at rest. The corresponding vehicle travel can be computed when the rolling circumference of the tire on the wheel of the vehicle which actuates the odometer, under average load and with normal tire inflation,

is accurately known, and this computed travel can be compared with the regis- tration of the device. Specially constructed apparatus will be necessary if the

test is to be made in this way. The " bench test " is believed to be inadequate for odometer assemblies and

is not recommended.

After approval of the complete assembly, suitable seals shall be applied

so that no part of the odometer mechanism or of the connections leading thereto may be removed, or modified in such a way as to affect the accuracy of registration, without destroying or mutilating the seal or seals. Whenever an odometer has been damaged, whenever repairs which might

in any way affect the accuracy of its registration have been made, or whenever any of the official seals have been destroyed or mutilated, such odometer

shall not thereafter be used commercially until inspected and, if deemed necessary, tested by the weights and measures official. Definition,—An odometer is a mechanism or machine designed to be attached permanently to a vehicle and adapted automatically to register the distance traversed by the vehicle. For the purpose f these specifications and tolerances, this definition shall be construed to include hubodometers, cable-driven odometers, and the mileage-recording, or odometer, portions of the so-called " speed- ometer " assemblies for automobiles.

Specifications.—1. Chakactek of indication.—Odometers shall be so designed

and constructed that they will register in terms of miles and tenth-miles. The Chairman. Our usual procedure is to act on the several items

as these are read. If that is your pleasure, we will adopt that

procedure.

Mr. Sweeney. Mr. Chairman, I move that the portion which has

been read be adopted.

(The motion was seconded, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.) Mr. Holbrook (reading)

:

2. Movement of Indicators.—All odometers shall be so designed and con- structed that when installed on a vehicle the registration of the odometer shall be susceptible of increase only by the rotation of the vehicle wheel or wheels.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFEBENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 45

The tenth-mile indicator may advance continuously or intermittently; other

indicators shall advance intermittently. In all eases in which indicators ad- vance intermittently, movement shall be communicated to the indicator drum

or dial only during that period in which the advance of the mechanism cor- responding to not more than the one-tenth mile immediately preceding the next

higher indication, is taking place. An odometer may be provided with means

for reducing the registration to zero. Mr. Foster. Mr. President, it seems to me it might save time to dispense with adoption section by section. Comments can be made

on each section as read and then at the conclusion a vote can be taken on the whole report.

The Chairman. If there is no objection on the part of the conference, it is agreed that we will vote on the whole code when the reading is concluded.

Mr. Stevens. Mr. Chairman, there is one comment I would like to make at this time. There is nothing in there which prevents an

odometer being run backward and the registration thereby decreased

to reduce taxes or insurance premiums. It seems desirable to specify

that the registration of the odometer should not be susceptible of

being decreased by running it backward. In other words, there

should be some sort of device included so that if the wheels are turned backward this will not decrease the record.

Mr. Holbrook. In relation to that, the committee had in mind

that when these odometers are used for fixing insurance premiums

or for taxation purposes this code is only to be applied in so far as

it is applicable, and the special use shall govern the details of the

construction. For instance, this specification allows the registration

of an odometer to be reduced to zero, but such a provision should

certainly not apply to an odometer to be used for insurance or taxcollection purposes. However, in the case of odometers used on

" drive-yourself " cars, for instance, the committee sees no reason why, if such a construction is desired, the odometer might not be

so constructed as to allow it to be turned back to zero at the beginning of every hiring. Obviously, in that event the companies operating these cars would select an instrument so constructed that a customer could not reduce the record before returning the machine

to the owner ; a special key might be required, for instance.

Such special uses have been provided for in the introductory notes by the language

:

Whenever odometer readings form the basis for the payment of fees or

taxes to or for the preparation of reports for governmental agencies, for the determination of insurance premiums, or in other such cases, and weights and

measures officials undertake to inspect and test such odometers, what follows

is recommended as the basis for such examinations; the requirements should be applied in so far as they are applicable and not modified by the conditions surrounding the special use. Mr. Holbrook (reading)

:

3. Readability of Indications.—Mileage figures and the apertures through

which they are viewed shall be of such size, design, and location that the in- dications of the odometer may be easily and accurately read. The figures and

their backgrounds shall be of sharply contrasting colors ; the color of all fingers

except those indicating tenth-miles shall be uniform, and the color of the

tenth-mile figures shall be different from the color of the other figures. Except

during the period of advance of an indicator to the next higher indication, only one figure on each drum or dial shall be exposed to view. Any protective

covering intended to be transparent shall be in such condition that it can be

made transparent by ordinary cleaning of its exposed surface.
46 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

4. Visibility of Registration.—Whenever an odometer is utilized upon ;i vehicle in lieu of and for the purposes for which a taximeter is commonly

employed in regular taxicab service, the odometer shall be so positioned om

the vehicle that the registration of the device is in full view from the interior of the vehicle: in all other cases the odometer shall be so positioned that it i.s readily accessible for the reading of its registration.

5. Provision for Sealing.—Adequate provision shall be made for sealing in place all complete odometer assemblies—that is, installations upon vehicles of odometers and the various gears and other parts required for service operation—in such a manner that no adjustments, replacements of or to any parts

of such assemblies, or alterations, which might affect in any way the accuracy

of the odometer registration, can be made without destroying or mutilating

the seal or seals. The seal or seals required by the provisions of this specification shall be so applied that they are visible: that is, it shall not be necessary to disassemble or remove any part of the vehicle or odometer to determine whether such seals are intact.

6. Permanence.—Odometers shall be of such design, construction, and materials that they may reasonably be expected to withstand ordinary usage without

impairment of their accuracy or the correct functioning of their operating and

indicating parts. This specification shall be construed to require that in the case of ratchets and patois and similar combinations, wherever the accuracy or consistency of the indications of the odometer would be affected by the wearing

away or the deformation of one or both of the cooperating parts, the ratchets and pawls shall be fabricated of such material and shall be hardened to such

a degree and extent that the wear or deformation resulting from use will be reduced to a minim tan.

7. Fraudulent Construction.—All odometers and all mechanisms and de- vices designed to be attached thereto and used in connection therewith shall be of such design and construction and shall be so installed for use that they

do not facilitate the perpetration of fraud. Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed on the registration of odometers

with respect to distance actually traversed or computed shall be as follows

:

Tolerance in deficiency (overregistration) : None, except when the vehicle

tires are seriously worn in which case 1 per cent of the interval under test shall be allowed. Tolerance in excess (underregistration) : Four per cent of the interval under test. The Chairman. Gentlemen, you have heard this report. What is your pleasure ? Mr. Foster. Mr. Chairman. I move that the report be adopted tentatively- as recommended by the committee.

(The motion was seconded, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.) The Chairman. Gentlemen, we have the great pleasure to-day of

listening to a man in the House of Representatives who is charged

with the scrutinizing of proposed legislation relating to coinage,

weights, and measures introduced in the House of Representatives. I have the honor of introducing the Hon. Randolph Perkins, chair- man.; Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, House of Representatives.

ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON COINAGE,

WEIGHTS. AND MEASURES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, HON.

RANDOLPH PERKINS

Mr. Director and gentlemen of the convention, when I listened so attentively to the paper on specifications and tolerances for odometers, I thought perhaps the next speaker might say something on

specifications and tolerances for Congressmen, because it is a very

weighty matter when the chairman of the Committee on Coinage,

Weights, and Measures meets with the National Conference on
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 47

Weights and Measures ; but in view of the fact that this session of

Congress is measurably reaching its conclusion, a spirit of levity

rather than of weight prevails this morning with the speaker. I

know the work that you gentlemen are doing to some extent, and I

offer my hearty cooperation so far as I can give it. But it seems that

this serious meeting and these serious papers might well be interrupted for a moment with a little less serious thought, perhaps

intermingled with a little bit of philosophy.

If we were to have the tolerances suggested for Congressmen, perhaps we upon the Hill who are doing what we can with the little light we have to help in the standardization and the passage of laws

in reference to weights and measures might be treated with a little tolerance when we consider matters not only of the head, but also of

the heart. How a Congressman is viewed by the people throughout

the country, generally, it is very difficult for those of us on the Hill to appreciate. Usually the American people we meet with are sufficiently polite to say reasonably good things of us, but that does not

necessarily mean that we are taken as seriously as we are inclined to take

*******

ourselves.

ISTow I feel I am getting serious, and I do not intend to do that.

The world at large seems to be distressed about the United States standardizing everything too much. We are worried least of all by standarization. Why, we have a doctor on the " hill " who goes

around and measures the heads of Congressmen—that is, on the

outside—trying to standardize Congressmen. I do not think we

need worry about that type of standardization. As I see it, what

we are trying to accomplish, what you are trying to accomplish,

is the standardization of ponderable things—things that can be

weighed and measured—and the standardization that we have in

this country has resulted in the development of this tremendous

prosperity, the greatest the country has ever had. But I do not

think we will standardize a man's heart or head. We may ride in

the same kind of a car. The car may be standardized, but what is going on inside of the man is far from being standardized. Moreover,*******

what we want to escape is mental or emotional standardization.

In the last few years the whole world has taken on new aspects, I believe. A good part of our law came down from customary

law, but now, of course, it is practically all enacted law and

court decisions; but I say, gentlemen, as I read your papers and

as I hear discussions before the committees of Congress, that alongside of enacted law there is growing up a great body of cus- tomary business practice in this country, and I dare say the very

report which was just read is along the line of that business practice. That is a splendid thing, because men in business are beginning

to learn that the real way to conduct business is to conduct it ac- cording to certain ethical practices. We, in this day, are beginning

to realize the truth of the old saying that honesty is the best policy,

and so there is growing up this great body of business practice on a

strict ethical basis—men get together who are interested in the same subject, discuss their problems, read papers, and pass resolutions designed for the conduct of business on a high ethical plane
48 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

common to all; this, of course, is along the lines of standardization

and has resulted in the elevation of business to a high level. Now, the work that we are doing in Congress is, of course, just

being done by human beings like yourselves. We realize that it is the most difficult thing in the world to pass remedial legislation. It is not difficult to see the wrong. It is not difficult to see where

people are injured by existing conditions. The great difficulty is to find the proper remedy.

I think it was Mr. Huxley who said, " Give a man a thin sheet of

metal with a bend in it; give him a hammer and tell him to straighten

it out. Before he has it straightened out he will have a hundred

dents in it." The work that you gentlemen do is exceedingly helpful. In fact,

it is the real work. We only attempt to crystallize into statutory

form the thought and the conclusions of the bodies of men throughout the country who are giving various subjects their earnest consideration. Now, we do not move as fast as some would like, but

I have often found in my own case that when I travel too fast I

often have to retrace my steps somewhat.

I just want to say this concluding word, that it is a real pleasure to come and meet with you here. It is a splendid thing to see men who

take their time, who use their energies and their brains, to bring about

standardization of weights and measures—who deal with this broad

subject. Why, you know, friends, the world does not realize what a

large subject this is. Practically all of science is based on weights

and measures, which means that practically all material advancement

in the world is based on weights and measures. Sometimes, when I get a little philosophical, I begin to wonder if nature ever intended

to have us civilized—I sometimes doubt it. Mankind has had such a hard struggle to attain to his present position. The work you are doing is a helpful illustration of the great effort of the scientist in

the advancement of the human race. I must say, gentlemen, that I honor your efforts, your energy,

in coining here and dealing with these subjects which, to the outside

world, are dry and, perhaps, uninteresting, but which, in the final analysis, enable the bulk of the people to advance, and enable your

legislators to say what is necessary to assist the country in this great

work of standardization of measures and of weights.

_ I want to say it is a real pleasure to have been with you, and I

trust when another year rolls around that we will all be able to gather here and renew our friendship.

Mr. Sweeney. Mr. President, I ask that a rising vote of thanks be

given to the honorable gentleman for his address here this morning.

(The motion was seconded, the question was taken by a rising

vote, and the motion was agreed to.)

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ADMINISTRATION*

By C. P. Nobgobd, Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, State of New York

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, the subject of standards of weights

and measures and their enforcement is one the importance of

which the general public often fails to appreciate. When the head
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 49

of a family, however, has the experience of purchasing his winter's supply of coal or of paying for gasoline pumped into the

tank of his car he has the opportunity to learn how helpless he is in

the hands of the dealer and how dependent upon the agencies whose

duty it is to enforce the delivery of correct weights and measures in

business transactions.

Weights and nieasures enter into the everyday transactions of

every mature individual and each family of the Nation. It is the

basis of practically all agreements and contracts and the means of

securing equity through them. The delivery of full weight and

measure and the elimination of fraud have been and always will be

the issue in every transaction from the inception of quantity determinations down to the present time.

Every government from the earliest time has found it necessary to establish standards and to enforce their use as a means of securing

just and equitable dealings among its citizens and between them and

the State. So fundamentally important has this matter seemed in

the eyes of all people back to the most primitive times that the establishment of standards and their enforcement have been among most

early nations a part of their religion and the duty of the priests.

For this reason also the official standards have been preserved in

temples under priestly care. This is seen among the Hebrews in

the expression " the shekels of the sanctuary." There is also a rec- ord of weights and measures recorded in the Talmud. Many weights

and measures standards have been found carefully protected in Greek

temples, such as at the Temple of Demeter, of Ephesus, and of Aphrodite. At Rome the standards were kept at the capital in the Temple

of Hercules.

Xext to its religion, next to the personal health of its people, the

most fundamental obligation of the State to its citizens has been that

of securing justice among them through the establishment and en- forcement of standards of weights and measures. This is exemplified

in the emblem of justice, represented blindfolded, dealing out justice

by means of a delicate balance.

As weights and measures officials we are therefore dealing with

the most ancient and essential responsibility of the State. This historical precedent naturally led to the inclusion in the original Articles

of Federation of all the power to fix standards of weights and measures throughout the thirteen original States. This power was later transferred to the Constitution in Article I, section 8, in the language : " The Congress shall have power * * * to coin money,

regulate the value thereof * * * and fix the standard of weights

and measures." This constitutional power authorizes the Federal

Government to establish standards of weights and measures and keep

them uniform throughout the Nation. That power and responsibility of the Government since 1901 has rested with the Bureau of

Standards, Department of Commerce.

The action of 19 nations in establishing the International Bureau

of Weights and Measures, in 1875, insured uniformity of standards

of weights and measures among the nations of the world. Thus has

provision been made for this important function and responsibility,

not only for this Nation but for the world.

24342°—31 5
50 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

It has fallen to the individual States, counties, and municipalities

to carry out the duty of supervising and enforcing the use of

standards thus established. The States, in many instances, have

also assumed responsibility in taking action to establish such

standards and practices as have not been set up by the Federal

Government, the same to remain until such time as the Federal

Government assumes constitutional authority arid thus supersedes

State action. The problem before the State is, therefore, how best to organize and carry on and most effectively to enforce the use of

standards of weights and measures. Two methods, at least, are practiced: (a) Enforcement by the State alone, through a force of

inspectors entirely under State control, and (b) by local county and

municipal agencies, under State supervision.

If we wish to carry out the historical democratic principle of home

rule, local enforcement is the correct system. Local enforcement

has, however, proven more desirable and effective in theory than in

practice. It involves enforcement by an official upon his friends

and relatives, from which he naturally shrinks. As a consequence,

he often evades his responsibility and sidesteps his duty- Experience

shows that local politics too often intervene to thwart justice and

vigorous enforcement. Too often the position of sealer is handed

out as a recognition for political service performed, or to be performed. In many instances also, municipal and county authorities

do not appreciate the great importance to the community and its citizens of the sealer's office and of his work. Hence, far too meager

salaries and support for the office are allowed for the full-time

employment of good and adequate men to carry on the work.

On the whole, experience seems to indicate that enforcement by

the State direct is far more certain, unbiased, and effective. Most

of the older and more fully organized States, however, already have

county and municipal systems, established under State supervision

of one form or another. The practical question facing us, therefore,

is how best to organize, supervise, and carry out the work through

local administration under State supervision.

The questions naturally arise, Why should the State concern itself about local enforcement? Should the State not be satisfied with

the kind of enforcement the local government sets up? Are not

the local people entitled to determine for themselves what sort of

weights and measures enforcement they wish and the amount of

money they want to put into it? Experience has shown that if this principle were carried out lit- erally, particularly in the smaller places, a weights and measures

service would result comparable with the quality and condition of

jails and schoolhouses found in places where State supervision is not exercised. Improved social, economic, and health measures usually come to local communities from some responsible, specialized

State or national agency. Such movements must be brought to those communities through education and, frequently, by the en- forcement of State laws. In this way, the State frequently forces

local communities and municipalities to tear down old antiquated

jails and schoolhouses and build new and modern ones. In the same way, if we are to have uniformity in the standards

of weights and measures and their use throughout the Nation, the
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 51

States must bring to the local communities the standards of weights

and measures, interest their local people in them, and get them to

establish a county or municipal unit to care for the standards and

enforce their use locally.

Experience has also shown that the State, after accomplishing

this, can not go away and expect such a system to operate effectively

by itself, but it must return to the locality from time to time to stimulate the activity of the local units. Thus must the State exercise constant supervision in order that each local county and municipality may continue to have that high class of service and protection which the most enlightened sections have and which it was

the intention of the founders of our State and Nation, should prevail throughout the Nation. In this way is the principle of home

rule adhered to, good home rule secured, and uniformity of standards and their use brought about. The question then arises, How

extensive shall the State's supervision be and how great the authority of the State over the enforcement of the local units? In New

York State, the law gives the commissioner of agriculture and markets charge of the State standards and requires him from time to time to check the condition of standards in local communities. It

places upon him the power and authority to establish tolerances and

to issue instructions to the county and city sealers binding upon

them.

In the exercise of this supervisory authority and because of the

inadequate salaries and frequent changes of officials due to political

changes, demands from the local communities have come for the

exercise of more authority by the commissioner in the selection of

local sealers and the determination of the amount of local financial support which shall go toward the salary of the sealer and the

support of his office. No satisfactory solution of the requests thus

placed with the State has as yet been found. It remains an open

and important question needing solution. Upon its proper solution,

perhaps, depends to quite an extent the standard of enforcement of

weights and measures in counties and in municipalities.

The method of exercising State supervision is one which needs

careful study. The New York State law formerly provided that

all cities and counties must be inspected at regular intervals, irre- spective of the relative needs of the different localities throughout

the State. This brought about the inspection of some places where

the service was adequate and well supported, like New York, Buffalo,

and Kochester, leaving an inadequate amount of the time of the

inspectors to devote to supervising and aiding the weaker points

that were really in need of help and supervision. As a consequence,

the State of New York, by legislation, has now canceled that mechanical plan, leaving it to the discretion of the commissioner as to what places shall be inspected, how often, and how much time shall

be given to each. Under this plan emphasis is now being put upon

places where the enforcement is poor to the benefit of these places

and the service in the State as a whole.

In many of the cities and counties of the State local officials are changed frequently. It has been an important part of the duty of

the State to send well-prepared inspectors to train new men in the

complicated duties of the sealer's office. This is considered a most
52 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

important and proper service of the State and much of the time

of the inspectors is devoted to this form of service.

Then there are many cities where very inadequate salary and

support are given the office of the sealer, in comparison with the

size of the county or the city and the responsibility of the office. The city of Hudson, N. Y., for instance, with a population of 11,745,

invests but $300 annually in its weights and measures office. The

State is now concentrating its efforts in getting facts concerning the

situation in that city and putting them up to the mayor and com- mon council for the purpose of getting an adequate appropriation

and a consequent proper service for this important city. Auburn,

N. Y., a city of more than 36.000 population, until quite recently

depended entirely upon the county sealer to protect its citizens in

respect to the use of weights and measures. Consequently, the service was very inadequate, and the reports of State inspectors after

investigation showed unusual discrepancies in the condition of

weights and measures and their use. To-day, as a consequence of the

activity of the State, there is a city sealer in Auburn with adequate

salary and office equipment. Counties are often lax also in support

of the work. One county in New York State has failed until the

past year in establishing a sealer's office because of an agreement

entered into between the two political parties in the board of supervisors not to allow such a measure to pass. Luckily at a recent session

of the legislature a law was passed requiring the inspection of all new gasoline stations and pumps before they could be used. This

caused such a demand upon the county board of supervisors that they

could no longer hold to their agreement and they at last found it necessary to provide for a county sealer. In this and in other ways does New York State give its attention

to finding and improving the weak points of service on weights and

measures in the counties and municipalities of the State. The result has been a noticeable improvement in the effectiveness of the service

of the State. The State has also found another form of stimulating activity on

the part of local units, namely, by placing emphasis upon weights and

measures as applied to some particular important commodity, by means of state-wide drives on such commodities. Outstanding among

these have been drives made upon coal and gasoline. All of the

inspectors of the State have been placed at work at certain seasons of the year on these two commodities, passing rapidly from one city or village to another and back again, at irregular intervals. These

drives have also been accompanied by proper publicity of the conditions as found, and speedy and reasonably heavy penalties applied to offenders. The results have brought about a very satisfactory stimulation of the trade, as well as of the local sealers. One interesting

point in connection with these drives is the fact that the requests for

them came originally from the best representatives of the trade.

Another method applied in these drives has been that of inviting

offenders to attend hearings held at department offices throughout the

State, as soon as possible after the offender was caught. This has

had the effect of making punishment swift and suited to the offense

and has given an opportunity to meet the offender and to explain to him the provisions of the law and to convince him of their necessity.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 53

Through these various methods it has been found possible to improve State supervision and service on weights and measures in New

York State without the use of a very large or increased number of

inspectors.

THE STANDARD CONTAINER ACT OF 1928

By. H. A. Spzlman, Senior Marketing Specialist, Bureau of Agricultural

Economics, United States Department of Agriculture

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference, since a representative of our office talked to you last year, the standard container act has become effective ; so far as the penalty provisions are concerned

that happened on November 1, 1929. We had a little more trouble at the time the act went into effect than we had expected to have due to the drought of last summer. The dry weather which prevailed over a wide section of the country resulted in the carrying over of a large

number of nonstandard containers. This occurred principally in

connection with the 14-quart hamper used in Connecticut and some

other parts of New England and in northeastern Pennsylvania, and

with the 28-quart hamper used in Florida and Mississippi. We

received inquiries as to whether some arrangements could not be

made to use these hampers up during the present season. Of course, there was only one answer—that there was no provision to waive the

penalty provision. We realize this has worked a hardship in many

instances. One man in Tennessee had ten thousand 28-quart hampers

early in the season and could not dispose of them. Seventeen months,

two growing seasons, had been allowed the parties affected to accom- modate themselves to these provisions. But you gentlemen know

the tendenc}^ of people to hang on to a short measure until the last minute it can be used.

The trouble in Connecticut with nonstandard containers was due

to a misunderstanding. A lot of the Connecticut farmers felt they

could continue to use them and it took 10 days' work of three of us

to make some start toward clearing up the situation. We also found

some trouble in the city market of Scranton, Pa. The dealers there

said that they had been informed that they could use those measures. Another difficulty occurred in Florida and was due more to the

ignorance of the manufacturer than to intention. Hampers have

their capacity determined to the upper edge of the inside hoop. In

Florida it is customary to set the cover down so that it fits into the

hamper. In Tennessee there is a tendency to have the cover on top.

Naturally, if you take a basket that is intended to have a cover on

top and you insert the cover it will be short and that has been where we have had trouble. We got one man in Florida with 50,000 that were short and we made him ship them up in Tennessee with covers

large enough to fit outside. We would have put two factories into

bankruptcy if we had not been tolerant, and we believe the solution

we adopted was the proper one. We found one case in Pennsylvania

in which 15-quart hampers had passed into the hands of farmers,

after we had notified the manufacturer that they were short capacity.

These hampers were made before the 1st of November, but had not

been used. In some cases the farmers had paid for the hampers, and

we did not care to see them suffer. In this case the manufacturer

has agreed to replace all those nonstandard hampers with standards,
54 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

and our decision to prosecute is being held in abeyance until we find out what he is actually going to do.

We have had one or two cases of an evasion of the law on some

types of containers and investigations are now in progress on those. We have accumulated considerable evidence against one individual,

who is due, I think, for a surprise before long.

In our work on standard containers we have always had the cooperation of the manufacturers—we expect to have it 'in enforcing this

law. and have had it to a great extent. The provision in this law

that manufacturers must submit their specifications for approval

nas made fellows in the basket industiy who formerly never thought anything about dimensions or specifications get clown to brass tacks on that phase of the matter, and I believe that we will

have very little trouble.

We have not had the cooperation of the manufacturers of basket

machinery that we expected, and we found that certain were con- tinuing to put out forms which when used by the basket manufacturers would not permit them to make proper size baskets. There is nothing in the law which will permit us to touch them. However, we hope it will be ironed out in time.

The provision in regard to the approval of specifications is re- sponsible for the great bulk of the work in our office in the last two years. It has entailed the examination of 550 sets of specifications and the testing of 7.374 baskets to determine whether or not

the manufacturers' baskets do live up to their specifications.

Now, of course, the department, under the standard container act of 1928. is doing considerable work, but that is not all that we do.

We still have some testing under the standard container act of 1916,

and figures show that from July 1. 1929. to May 7, 1930. we tested

1.191 containers under the standard container act of 1916 and -±.323 coming under the act of 1928, a total of 5.519. For a similar period

last year 3,626 containers were tested. This mechanical work takes

up considerable time, as those of you who have had experience testing

baskets well know. Of course, there is nothing novel in our method

of testing. We use bulk for bulk, as outlined by the Bureau of

Standards, although we have special apparatus to quicken the work.

Our methods, by the way, are described in a miscellaneous publication which came out last' week, which was written at the suggestion

of Mr. Miller, of Indiana, and which each one of you should receive.

We think we have obtained a very complete list of sealers of weights

and measures, and that publication will be sent out to you just as rapidly as envelopes can be addressed. If you do not receive one,

please write in and let us know.

There are sometimes, of course, unfortunate developments which

arise when new pieces of legislation are being put into effect As

Mr. Perkins said awhile ago. it is a very difficult thing to pass

remedial legislation which is satisfactory to everybody and accomplishes everything you wish to accomplish, and which at the same

time does not add some things which you do not want. That is true of this law. There are two things' which we would like to see changed. One of them is the lack of a provision as to the marking

of containers. It was in the bill at one time during its history.

You know, however, that the bill hung fire for eight years before it
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 55

was passed, and was rewritten at almost every session of Congress.

Thus at one time it contained a provision requiring the marking

of all baskets which came within its purview. But at the insistence

of a manufacturer of splint baskets, that was stricken out in committee and was never restored. Now, I believe we could secure the

approval of the majority of manufacturers for the inclusion of such a provision and we believe marking would be highly desirable in

order to assist the average local official who has had any experience

with baskets at all in determining whether a basket is short in capacity. That is one of the ideas that we had when we started the

administration of the law—that we should make as simple as possible

the determination of whether or not baskets came within the standards. Thus far we have been able to give only tentative approval to baskets and no final approval can be made until we make tests on

baskets from the ordinary run of production instead of tests on

those made with their correctness and appliance to specifications

especially in mind. After we have entirely completed the work of

approving specifications, production tests on baskets can begin and * this work will be started very shortly. We intend to give publicity

to these results, and, as I said before, if markings were required,

this would not only simplify the identification of the manufacturers

of baskets but we would make possible a much closer and highly

desired cooperation between the State and local officials and the

Federal department.

We have gone as far as we could under the regulations. We have

provided a method of marking which a manufacturer may use if he

wishes. We did that on the ground that since the manufacturer was required to submit his specifications for approval he should be

permitted to indicate in some way that approval had been obtained.

Most of the manufacturers, will, I think, avail themselves of that

method of marking, but the manufacturers of splint baskets, which

need marking most, have shown some disposition not to do that. Of course, any basket manufacturer objects to anything which in- creases the cost of operation. With machinemade baskets it is comparatively easy to develop a method of marking by machinery in some state of the process and not add greatly to the cost. Splint

baskets, however,, are almost all handmade and are sold on a very

close margin, and these manufacturers, naturally, have rather consistently objected to marking. In fact, it was a splint-basket manufacturer who caused this requirement to be taken out of the bill several years ago. We believe that the law would be bettered were

it to be amended so as to require marking, and, as I have stated, we

believe the majority of the manufacturers would support some such

proposal.

There is one other matter in connection with this law which I

know you have thought over a good deal, some of you perhaps, in

bitterness of spirit. It appears according to the lawyers, that this

law did something that no one thought it would do. We have had

occasion to seek interpretation of several points of the law from the

Solicitor of the Department of Agriculture. In one of the general

opinions which he gave us, he used certain language which made it seem that inadvertently this lav/ tends to nullify a great deal of the

work that has been done over a long period of years in the bringing
56 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

about of sales by weight, or the sealing and certification of dry

measures where these are employed. Nothing, of course, was further

from the minds of those of the Department of Agriculture who were

interested in this matter, than any such development. The Bureau

of Agricultural Economics, while it has never believed in sales by

weight per bushel—a matter which was discussed here last year

has always believed in retail sales by weight or by numerical count. In a Farmers' Bulletin which we issued several years ago we called

particular attention to the Massachusetts law on the subject—the law

which has since been enacted also by New Jersey and Indiana, possibly by other States—which specifically requires sales by weight or

count, except when in the original container.

We believe it would be a tragedy to have this law used by any- one in an attempt to evade State or local laws requiring sales by

weight, or sales by standard dry measure. Certainly none of us would argue for a moment that it would be proper to take a standard hamper or a standard bushel basket and use it over and over again as a measure for fruits and vegetables. We do not believe

that is the proper use of that sort of a container. Neither do we believe that so sensible a proposition as sales by weight at retail should give way to sales in which small baskets are used as measures

over and over again. Now, we have kept pretty quiet about that

interpretation of this law, but we found that some dealers in some

markets apparently were smarter than we were. They saw the

loophole before we did, and we heard from some few of the weights

and measures officials that use was made of it. We have attempted

as far as possible to discourage such use of the law, and Mr. Carey

and myself, representing our bureau, and Mr. Holbrook and Mr.

Smith, representing the Bureau of Standards, have had several conferences in an effort to draw up an amendment to this law which

would safeguard everything which we wish to accomplish by the

law and which would, at the same time, safeguard what has been

accomplished by weights and measures officials throughout the

United States in bringing about sales by weight.

We have again found it is a little hard to draw up something

which says what you want to say and does not have other implications. The Bureau of Standards proposed the first amendment ; we

countered with another one; then a lawyer produced a third; after

we got through we concluded that all we had accomplished was to

kill the act without making certain we had done what we had in- tended. We finally put three suggested drafts up to the Solicitor of

the Department of Agriculture and have been waiting prayerfully,

hoping for some action from that office, It happens that that part

of the solicitor's office has been very busy for the past few months on

court work, and I regret to say that they have not got anything

definite that I can present to you to-day. I do. however, want to arouse your interest in the matter, and hope

that we fellows in the Bureau of Standards and Bureau of Agricultural Economics will have your interest and hearty support.

The Chairman. The subject of the standard container act of 1928

is one of very great importance to this conference, and we are in- debted to Mr. Spilman for his clarifying statements. After we hear

from Secretary Klein, we will open the meeting for discussion of

this item.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 57

I am glad to say that Secretary Klein, of the Department of Commerce, has just come in. Most of you know that he was Director of

the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce after having served

his apprenticeship in several foreign stations; he is the Assistant

Secretary of Commerce during the present administration. There is no one man in the department whose name stands for more in commerce than Doctor Klein. Doctor Klein, I may say to you that

your audience here is an audience of representatives from 27 States

and several departments of the Federal Government.

ADDRESS BY THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, HON.

JULIUS KLEIN

Doctor Burgess and ladies and gentlemen, I need hardly say

that I feel honored indeed to have been given this opportunity of

greeting you in behalf of the Department of Commerce, and of

having at least a glimpse of your proceedings out here. We in the

department, as Doctor Burgess has told you, feel particularly complimented when busy officials and business men take time away

from their troubles and cares and come down here to Washington,

and we have provided as warm a welcome for them as has been

possible.

The importance of your problem, the familiar question of the uniformity of weights and measures, is perhaps best typified by this

very institution which we are now visiting. The Bureau of Standards had its origin as the custodian of the weights and measures of

the country. You have only to look around you, noting the amazing proportions to which this institution has risen, to get some grasp

of the profound significance of the weights and measures problem,

because that, as I have said, was the germ out of which this vast and invaluable organization has developed. Furthermore, the bureau

illustrates to a peculiar degree the chief purpose of your conference,

namely, collaboration between industry and Government, not solely

Federal Government but State and local government ; and there we

have, again, in the bureau, an admirable illustration of the necessity

for that type of detailed work. Government in these days can not

sit down and arbitrarily rule and order things. To an increasing

degree, thoughtful persons have been realizing through the past

few decades (and more particularly in this period since the war)

the prime necessity of keeping Government in close contact with

industry ; and this bureau stands as an excellent illustration of that

type of thing applied to the realm of reality, making sure that

Government does take its orders from industry and commerce and

that it does provide practical and concrete service.

Of course, you can not get very far in that principle unless you

keep assured of a reasonable degree of organization within industry.

In a country as vast as this, and with as complicated an economic

system as we have, it would be manifestly impossible for any governmental agency to accomplish its objective if it had to deal with

each individual firm or each individual person engaged in certain

lines of industry or trade. You must have organizations to deal

with, and that is one reason why we are so fortunate in this country,

because the American is " organization minded," so to speak. Of

course, it is the pet diversion of our professional critics at home and
58 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

abroad to weep mournful, melancholy tears because the American

is gregarious to such an extent that we might put two Americans on

a desert island and they would immediately organize a chamber

of commerce, or a Kiwanis Club, or some other get-together group.

There is undoubtedly a great deal of back slapping and " elbow

greasing 99 of that sort, but these 13,000 trade associations that we

have in the United States are, I am persuaded, one of the chief reasons for the amazing stability of our economic organization, one

of the reasons for the notable commercial relations that we have

established throughout the globe. That very gregariousness which

is the butt of so much sarcasm is one of the reasons why we recov- ered from the war-engendered depression in 1921 and 1922, and I am sure that if other parts of the world had been blessed with more

organization instinct they would have made a much more rapid

recovery than they did. So here, and particularly in this department and this bureau, we could not get anywhere unless we were

able to deal with organized industries, who communicate their problems and enthusiasm, which in turn is translated into action during

the deliberations, resolutions, and ideas that develop through meetings such as these. Your conference, furthermore, typifies to a peculiar degree the

further advancement that is aptly illustrated by the collaboration between the States and the Federal Government. Government in all things should set the best example and stand for the best effort for

collaboration within its various units, whether they be national or local, in one form or another. Of course, weights and measures are the

rules of the game. Simple uniformity in those rules will, however,

not get us far. We are very apt to pat ourselves on the back be- cause of the solid area of the American Republic. Our European

friends do not disguise their admiration for the " uniformity of

action " of this great country, the way we can plunge into any great cause and all line up together. The recent attempt to perfect the

United States of Europe is about as frank a piece of flattery as you

can imagine, considering the economic, political, and racial differ- ences between the various countries. Conditions there are entirely

different from the situation in this country, where, in fact, barriers

do not exist so far as economic and commercial matters are concerned. But any study of industry and trade in this country brings

out the truth that we are not as homogeneous as we would like to be,

and your very problems here (trying to make more uniform the

weights and measures procedure throughout the country) admirably

illustrate that very point.

Just last week we had a conference on street and highway safety,

and once again the idea of making more uniform the regulation and

practices in reference to traffic were considered. One apt illustration

of the need for such uniform regulations is the fact that if one were

to drive to New York, a distance of 250 miles, and observed the

Washington regulations, he would be jailed probably 285 times on

the way, or else he would get those unpleasant red tickets by which we are assessed according to the laws of the realm.

We are homogeneous up to a certain point, but by no means completely so. We can match in this continent of ours conditions in

almost all parts of the world, except, of course, the extremes of the
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES '59 Tropics and the polar regions. When an American manufacturer

wants to sell tractors in Australia he knows what conditions will be

met in that country, which is quite similar to Arizona and New

Mexico, where his tractors have been sold and used. In the Argentine again the manufacturer is on old and familiar ground because

the pampas are like western prairies ; and, with respect to almost any

foreign markets, he can be guided by comparable conditions within

the United States. Will Hays once told me why the movies are so successful. About

25 per cent of the revenue of the industry comes from foreign royalties and foreign trade. And we enjoy certain distinctive advantages

in catering to world audiences. When you put on a mob scene in

Los Angeles you go out and get whatever type of mob you need.

If you need Irish, they are there ; and if you desire a Spanish crowd,

you have it. But let any German manufacturer go out on the streets of Berlin and try to get an Irish mob ; he will probably fail in the

attempt. And the same is true of an English competitor who wants

to put on a Spanish scene—he will have a hard time of it. So this

lack of complete homogeneousness has its advantages.

There are differences in rules and regulations and standards of

industry in different parts of the country. We do speak the same

language, more or less, but the more I listen to my loud speaker the more I wonder how we are understood. We are not as homogeneous

as we might be. and that condition lends itself to the effort you are making here to bring about something like uniformity in this very

important field. A rubber yardstick is, of course, a direct incentive to fraud. That

is obvious ; but I often wonder how far-reaching is the effect of such

iniquitous practices. The rubber yardstick, for example, also has a malevolent influence in that it slows down industry, in that it makes

caution necessary and retards business; and such an effect is especially injurious in this day of swift reactions in trade, of an everaccelerating development in industry and commerce everywhere,

which has been, perhaps, the outstanding economic development since

the war. The Bureau of Standards collaborated in the work of a committee engaged in the preparation of a report entitled " Recent Economic Changes " ; and the salient finding of that committee is that

business is not so different in so far as institutions are concerned

that is, the installment plan is an old thing—people have been buying and selling harvesting machines for generations—chain stores were in operation 70 years ago—and there is hardly a thing in busi- ness and commercial practices that is new—the big thing is the fearful acceleration of operation, acceleration of delivery through the

laying out of bus lines everywhere, through the improvement of

highways, and the amazing multiplication of automobiles. The air- plane has also helped to speed up business. All this speeding up of

business is an inevitable factor in our whole life. Anything which

tends to slow it up is contrary to the public interest, and inadequate

weights and measures are a formidable factor of that sort. Five years ago Mr. Hoover spoke to you, and some of you may

recall an illustration he used. He said that there were about a dozen

types of 1-inch board. Well, 1-inch ought to be an inch everywhere
60- BUKEAU OF STANDARDS

and under all conditions, but until recently there were different types

of inch used in board measure, whether it was an inch in a plank

planed on one side, or on both sides, or in other different kinds of

board. This meant more checking, slowed down business, and

brought about other difficulties. We are priding ourselves on mass production, on the amazing

volume of our industrial output, and, of course, along with that will

go mass distribution. We could not get anywhere at all with our schemes of volume production unless we could also sell in large

quantities; and that means, of course, quickness of turnover, which

must be accompanied by uniformity of weights and measures and

the prevalence of dependable standards. There is a great necessity

for uniformity of sizes of containers in the units that are now prevalent. If doubt is raised in the minds of the housewife or the trade

in general, there is bound to be a slowing down of business which may

be disastrous.

To an increasing degree, business these days is a matter of credit. We no longer sit down and haggle with people and swap in the

David Harum manner. Those days of horse trading are gone. Debts

are paid to-day by little slips of paper—drafts or checks.

Credit is only another name for confidence, and you can not have

confidence if there is the slightest question about the first essentials

involved, namely, the weights and measures of commodities concerned. In the old days, in horse trading, you could examine the

horses, look at their teeth, and make sure what you were getting : but

with credit and confidence playing so large a part we must take a

great deal on faith and that means, of course, as the first essential of

marketing, knowing what the units of measurement are in every

case. Take the last " late unpleasantness " in the stock market. That was due mainly to a failure on the part of the speculators, both

amateur and professional, to measure carefully and accurately the

relationship between the earnings of the corporations and the quotations of their stock on the exchange. It was a simple problem in

measurement. In that case it was necessary to have a definitely fixed

yardstick to gage such operations. A number of statisticians were

informed, but the average amateur in the field of speculation did not

realize the necessity of being guided by such tabulated schedules and

reports. Consequently, when the crash came those amateurs were

totally unprepared to meet it, and as I have said, it occurred primarily because of a failure to observe the ratio of earnings to the

quotations.

The inability or the incapacity to judge those realities in business, to apply carefully such yardsticks, is certain to lead to disaster. We

can not go on in a state of perpetual opulence.

There is, of course, the inevitable danger of expecting too much

from the apparatus or processes which you gentlemen set up in your

deliberations. They form simply a means to an end. And they must

be property and sensibly used. We can not expect that, after you

have decided upon uniform measures, the job is done. Those are simply vehicles toward an ultimate purpose. We can not expect, with

the highly complicated economic requirements of the present day. to reach salvation through devices of that type. They are indubitably
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 61

important, but they do not accomplish everything. They are not

capable of such summary, symmetrical application as the ancient

Egyptian Nileometer. The Egyptian authorities would go down and

look at the Nileometer and observe the height of the water, and from

the height of the water they would .calculate the assessment of taxes

for the year, because the height of the water had a direct relationship

to the flooding of the land, to farming and grazing, and, therefore,

to all assessable properties. It was all very simple to them. But

Mr. Mellon has a more complicated job these days.

One of our very alert statisticians down in the Department of

Commerce calculated that the rate of exchange of the Colombian

peso was influenced by the height of the Magdalena River. He

found there was a maximum of three months' time during which

the Colombians could bring coffee out. On that basis one could

calculate with reasonable accuracy. The same is true of a great

river in the region of Saigon in Indo-China. The height of the

level of the river has a direct bearing on the size of the crop and

consequently on the purchasing power of the people in that area. But in an economic order such as ours it would be rather dangerous

to presume to set up such a yardstick on which you could calculate

any considerable portion of our general business.

Many statisticians and others have given us prophecies and hope

as to the future trend of business. In an unkind moment one enter- prising young statistician went over the prophecies made by these

propheteers and discovered that they were right just about 50 per

cent of the time. That occurred some two or three years ago, and

it is hoped that they may have improved.

There are any number of problems before us, and I do not want

to enumerate many of them. But unless we do keep close contact with them, we will have the same trouble again and we will have

our recovery materially retarded. We must not expect an instanta- neous increase in prosperity once more. We must not expect that,

simply because some very interesting and helpful conferences were

held in Washington, everything will become lovely at once. It will

take a considerable length of time to come out of the effect of this

last depression, and it will involve divergent factors. Take this

matter of construction : Because there have been a very large number

of contracts let this year, it does not mean that June and July will

be immediately prosperous. The results of such contracts are not

instantaneous, not immediately evident, as it takes some 6 to 10

months to put contracts for construction into effect, and the effects are felt months later by the rank and file of industry in general.

The " lag " is just about that. In fact, the president of a large radi- ator company, in one of our conferences here, brought out the fact

that usually the construction business ran just about 8 or 10 months

ahead of the usual normal level of the rest of the business world.

In other words the building trades were having hard times and

getting into trouble as far back as November and December, 1928,

and consequently when the crash came along in October and November of 1929, informed persons were not at all surprised. Even now,

with the sagging money rate and the consequent picking up in construction, it will take 8 to 10 months before we find the full effect of that program which was launched in January. Consequently,
62 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

there are a great many who seem to feel that it will be pretty near

fall before we see any material improvement in business.

In the department's relation to industry and commerce, our busi- ness is not to prophesy, but simply to report what has happened;

and we are not trying to hand out any panacea as to how betterment

may be brought about. Industry is learning a salutary lesson as a

result of its recent experiences. We must meet competition, which is keen, not only in foreign markets but in the domestic field as well. That brings out the element of changes in procedure and practices

in the larger industries, due to the introduction of synthetics. One

of the most potent factors in industry is the quiet chemist who, sit- ting in the midst of his smelly test tubes, suddenly develops something which will upset great industries overnight. A very powerful

impetus has been given to chemistry through the war and postwar

research, so that any manufacturer is foolhardy if he is more than

24 hours away from good sound chemical advice. Any business man

who is sitting smugly, feeling that his business is secure, and that his

competitors can not make any " silk purse out of a sow's ear," is very

foolish indeed. A great chemical engineer not long ago took that

axiom literally and actually made a purse out of a sow's ear. He took some ears from the porkers and developed them into a viscous solution, and the final outcome was something that looked like a silk purse. It was a process such as is used in manufacturing cellulose products.

The business world is utterly different from its former aspect, and

is constantly changing; and it is of the utmost importance that we

observe these changes and appraise their practical application. Take

the example of style changes. It was perfectly safe for manufacturers in the old days to sit down and reel out millions of yards of

goods because the yardage was pretty much the same, year in and

year out, and decade in and out. But since the war no one knows

what the style will be, and it would be a foolhardy manufacturer

who assumed that the conditions would remain in status quo. We had at the department one especially striking illustration of

style changes and of the supreme importance of watching the con- sumers. About four years ago certain textile manufacturers in ^New

England were in distress, and we asked where their market was. They did not know. They had handed their goods over to certain

distributors and then forgotten about them. They now realized that

it was important for them to know the ultimate consumer's buying

power. We traced the merchandise movements and found that their

market was out in the northern part of China. The buying power of

the people had collapsed, simply because the leading industry, which was the manufacture of hair nets out of human hair, had collapsed.

It so happened that a lady named Irene Castle bobbed her hair;

thereupon 14,000,000 women did the same, and the hair-net business

went " up the spout."

Now, is it too much to ask a manufacturer to keep watching his

market and note all changes that may take place in it? Ask the first shoe manufacturers you see regarding their business outlook. They

will probably tell you that the situation leaves much to be desired.

Some of them failed to capitalize their opportunity and are apparently not keeping up with progress. Just the other day the largest
TWENTY-THIKD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 63

competitor in Czechoslovakia gave a good illustration of how industrialists are " on the job " in that country. He has representatives in

the United States making photographs and designs, which are in

turn flashed across the ocean in radiophotographs, so that he gets

them immediately and can guarantee delivery in 10 days in this era of rapid transportation. That manufacturer has become imbued

with the idea of being unfailingly vigilant and brisk—keeping up

with Father Time. Father Time is no longer an old, doddering

gentleman with a white beard, wrapped up in a white robe. He is a fast-stepping competitor who has shaved his whiskers because they

interfere with the streamline effect ; and unless the American manufacturer can show comparable speed, he will soon be left by the roadside. The changes now taking place are vital ; any business men who

are not alert will be left flat-footed. These changes are going on everywhere, and that fact further

stresses the importance of this Bureau of Standards. Those things

that are immutable, the weights and measures and yardsticks and

categories and schedules upon which this conference is deliberating

are factors that should provide at least some foundation for reasonable security and permanence; otherwise, despite all the speed in

trade and industry, we will get exactly nowhere.

Let me repeat that we in the Department of Commerce are glad

to see you here and know that your activities will be of the greatest

benefit to commerce and industry and the people of the country in

general.

FIXING OF EFFECTIVE DATE OF SPECIFICATIONS AND

TOLERANCES FOR GREASE-MEASURING DEVICES

Mr. Foley. Mr. President, yesterday while we were gathered in

this conference, we had quite a discussion as to whether or not the

conference would allow an extension of the time at which the specifications and tolerances for grease-measuring devices are to be put

into force and effect—a postponement of one year was asked for. We showed these different men where they could get off and that we

were serious about this proposition; it seems to be the unanimous

opinion with all of those to whom I talked that we had won a

victory, but a rather empty one. After all is said and done we hold

the whip, we are in the driver's seat, we have the upper hand. These

men have not made as much of an effort to comply as we thought

they should. I am with our brother from Richmond, Va., Mr. Ragland, and was with him from the start. However, we discussed this

thing last night and thought maybe we were a little too severe. In

the past 60 days there has been a great movement to get together to

solve their problems. We have also solved ours by making rules

and regulations that they must live up to. So I talked to as many

weights and measures men as possible—I am sorry I could not get

to all—and I said, "Boys, let us be magnanimous." Now I am

going to ask you, Mr. President, to deviate from the program for a few moments while I make a motion and I am going to ask Mr.

Ragland to second it. The motion is this

:

I move you, sir, that this conference allow the equipment men six

months from July 1, 1930, to make the necessary experiments in their

equipment and to bring about the necessary changes to make it comply
64 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

with specifications and tolerances, and to give the oil industry the

opportunity to meet the conditions that prevail, and that at the end

of that period we may confer at the call of the Chair to determine

whether or not a further extension of six months is needed.

With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I will ask Mr. Ragland, of

Virginia, to second my motion.

Mr. Ragland. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, as a matter of per- sonal privilege I want to thank you for your attitude of yesterday. I appreciate very much the unpleasantness of the occasion and must

say that of the many years that I have come up here, yesterday you

were more considerate than ever. As far as my friend, Harry Foley, is concerned, and as far as the

city of Richmond is concerned, we will still enforce the code, but I am perfectly willing to second the motion of Mr. Foley. Next year I

will come up here, and I want you to say he was still magnanimous.

Mr. Griffith. Mr. Chairman, I took the trouble yesterday to read

over the deliberations on this subject as recorded in the proceedings

of the conference of 1929. In the report on the code of specifications

and tolerances for grease-measuring devices there is a discussion of

policy involved in the date of adoption and enforcement. It is a

policy that has been established by our very capable secretary and,

as I recall it, briefly, that policy involves a tentative adoption, a period of 1 year before final adoption and a period of some 13 months

after final adoption before the code is to be put into force and effect. In the discussion that arose at that time it was decided that that

should be ample time for the manufacturing industry, the oil in- dustry, and the weights and measures officials to accommodate themselves to the changes necessitated by the code.

Now, with this motion to extend this time six months additional,

with the possibility of it being extended six months more, we are creating a precedent to which lean see no limit. Of course, if it is not possible for the industries to procure the equipment, then it would not be possible for the weights and measures officials to force

compliance with the code; we naturally have got to take into consideration facts as they exist. But, as I was informed yesterday,

there are machines—not one, but many—which do comply with the

regulations and specifications, and if that is the case we should not

deviate from the definite policy of this body.

Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Chairman, I may say for myself, personally

and I think I can also speak for the committee in this relation—that

this is a very exceptional case, and no objection will be raised to the

proposal for an extension in the matter. If any member of the

committee disagrees I would like to have him say so now. Mr. Ragland. Mr. President, my good friend Captain Griffith and

I believe in giving and taking. I am the man who agitated all this

trouble. I am enforcing the code and Harry Fole}< is enforcing it. I am enforcing it and I will make it even tighter in Richmond, but

I think courtesy compels this motion.

The Chairman. You have heard the motion made by Mr. Foley

and seconded by Mr. Ragland. Are there any remarks?

(The question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 65

DISCUSSION OF PAPER ON STANDARD CONTAINER ACT OF 1928

The Chairman. You remember we postponed discussion on the

very important standard container act. I think Mr. Spilman is still here. Have any of you any questions you would like to ask Mr.

Spilman.

Mr. Foley. Mr. Chairman, we are very vitally interested in one

phase of the paper presented by Mr. Spilman. New Jersey was

practically the first State to adopt the sales-by-weight law. Last

year we had considerable discussion regarding the paper presented

at that time and it seemed that New Jersey was rather out of luck in

its enforcement of its law. As I understand the situation, the paper

this morning dealt practically with the manufacture of these containers. Toward the conclusion of his talk, Mr. Spilman brought up the

matter of sales by weight as being one of the problems which the

Bureau of Standards and the Bureau of Agricultural Economics

was confronted with and was trying to solve. Now, our act provides for sales by weight. We have no legal

weight per bushel in the State. All dry measures were legislated

out of business for use as measures. We have an act of our own

regarding the standardization of baskets which is separate entirely

from the sales-by-weight law. Now, in the discussion last year as

I recall it, if a farmer packed a standard bushel hamper he could

use that as a measure. We allow an original container to be used to determine the amount to be delivered therein in the case of certain

commodities, but we have legislated out all dry measures, used as measures. Now, are we still in the same position as we were last year ? We have not had any difficulty as yet, but some of the wise

ones, as you stated during your talk this morning, are using containers as measures. However, our State commission has ruled that

the standardization of the container does not make it a measure but

a package.

I would like to get clearly before the conference, that in those

States where a genuine sales-by-weight law exists, we do not want

to take exception to the Bureau of Markets, but I think we will go

along as we are until they hale us into court and get a decision.

Mr. Spilman. I only wish you more power in getting across the

sales-by-weight proposition.

A Member. Mr. Chairman, may I ask Mr. Spilman whether or

not this standard container act does make a container officially a

legal measure?

Mr. Spilman. In an interpretation of the law the Solicitor of the

Department of Agriculture held that it did.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

The Chairman. With the consent of this conference, the Chair

at this point will appoint the following committees

:

As the committee on resolutions: A. B. Smith, of Pennsylvania,

chairman ; J. H. Foley, of New Jersey ; P. D. DuKesherer, of Michigan ; S. H. Wilson, of Georgia ; Thomas Flaherty, of San Francisco,

Calif.; James A. Sweeney, of Boston, Mass.; and S. T. Griffith, of

Baltimore, Md.

24342°—31 6
66 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

As the committee on nominations: Francis Meredith, of Massachusetts, chairman; I. L. Miller, of Indiana; George Warner, of

Wisconsin ; B. W. Kagland, of Richmond, Va. ; and W. A. Payne,

of Monroe County, N. Y.

There is also a vacancy on the committee on uniformity in weights

and measures requirements, to which I will appoint V. A. Stovall,

of Texas.

THE SALE OF CHEMICALLY TREATED COAL

By I. L. Miller, Commvissioner of Weights and Measures, State of Indiana

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, invitation to present this

paper was received rather late and I rather hastily accepted it, having in mind that about a year ago chemically treated coal first came to our attention and at that time I made somewhat of an investigation and found information rather easy to obtain. I thought it would take only two or three hours to run down town and get some

data and then write up what I had found. Very much to my aston- ishment, among the dealers serving about 400,000 people I found only one dealer who was actually chemically treating coal. I do not mean

he was the only one selling chemically treated coal, but he was the

only one applying the chemical in his establishment. The others were handling coal treated at the mines. I had no opportunity to find out about the treatment of coal at the mines.

Chemical treatment of coal for domestic use for the purpose of

allaying dust is comparatively a new development. The treatment

adds nothing to the fuel value of the coal, but is intended solely to eliminate the dust nuisance both while delivering and in handling

while firing. Dealers, who have sold treated coal and those persons

who have purchased and used it, are apparently unanimous in their

opinion that the treatment effectually serves the purpose intended.

Dealers and weights and measures officials in whose jurisdictions

chemically-treated coal has been sold have been much concerned

regarding the proper method of its sale. Some officials have in- sisted that the dealer should make allowance in weight for the added

moisture from the treatment. Dealers who have sold the treated

coal insist that it is a distinctive article and should not be so penalized. On the other hand, some dealers in untreated coal insist that

they should have the privilege of adding moisture, in the form of

water, if no deduction of weight is to be made for moisture in treated

coal. The question of weight deduction in the case of treated coal was referred to the Indiana State Department of Weights and

Measures early in 1929. At that time the department indicated its attitude in a reply to an inquiry from a coal company applying

the treatment, as follows

:

In view of the fact that in the process of the chemical treating of coal the weight of added water and chemicals varies rather widely but, perhaps, in no

case is extremely large, and in view of other questions that have arisen as

to the effect of the chemicals upon furnaces and stoves, the department has

decided that the sale of chemically-treated coal under names that will indicate

clearly that the coal has been treated, is of more importance to the purchaser

than a small deduction for added weight. We are, therefore, of the opinion that all treated coals should be advertised and sold under names that will plainly indicate their nature. Such coals are not " dustless " and should not be sold as such, since all the dust is still present but in a form that does

not cause inconvenience in handling.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE OX WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 67

Chemically-treated coals have been sold almost universally as

" dustless." The dictionary defines " dust " as. " fine, dry. particles

of earth or other matter so comminuted that they may be raised

and wafted by the wind ; that which is crumbled to minute portions

;

fine powder." According to the first meaning given, the advertisements have been correct, since the finely divided particles are no

longer wafted by the wind. It is doubtful, however, if this is the

complete thought conveyed to the purchaser of coal who reads the

advertisement for " dustless " coal. It is just as reasonable to assume

that the purchaser accepts the two last meanings mentioned in the

definition—that dust consists of finely divided particles, or is a powder—and assumes that " dustless coal " means that the fine particles or powder have been removed. Because of the possibility of

misunderstanding arising regarding the meaning of the term " dustless coal," its use is inadvisable.

The chemicals used in the treatment of coal are deliquescent ; that is, they have the ability of absorbing water from the atmosphere or other

sources. Calcium chloride forms the basis of all the compounds

which have come to the attention of the weights and measures department. One local dealer stated that he used a saturated solution prepared from the crystalline calcium chloride. A company supplying

the treatment states that their compound is composed of three ele- ments, all of which are dust layers. Another proprietary compound

is claimed to consist of calcium chloride treated in such manner that

the solution made from it has increased viscosity, increased capillary or " wetting " action and is so neutralized that it does not injure the

metal of furnaces and equipment. Magnesium salts have been used in

combination with calcium chloride. The United States Dispensatory

describes .calcium chloride as " odorless, having a sharp saline taste and very deliquescent." According to the same authority 10 parts by

weight of calcium chloride dissolves in 12 parts of water at ordinary room temperature. It will be recognized that calcium chloride is the

dust allaying agent used by some State highway departments for the

treatment of earth, gravel, or stone roads.

The benefits claimed for the calcium chloride treatment are, first, no dust. Coal wet down with water dries out, but coal treated chemically remains free from flying dust for at least one year. Second,

reduced smoke. The treated coal has a tendency to burn cleaner and

better. Third, reduced slack. Chemical treatment tends to seal, to a

certain extent, moisture in the pores of the coal, thus reducing slacking.

One of two types of apparatus is generally employed in applying

the chemical to the coal. The simpler type consists of an elevated

tank in which the solution is prepared, and an attached hose equipped

with a spray nozzle through which the solution is applied to the coal. The more efficient type includes a tank, pump, and electric motor,

together with the necessary high-pressure hose and spray nozzles. In

this type the tank is equipped with a special agitator which mixes the

water and chemicals. The solution is then pumped through a hose

with spray nozzles under a pressure ranging up to 300 pounds.

Three methods of treating coal are in general use. In the first method and the one which is perhaps the least used, the solution is sprayed upon the coal after loading into the truck. It is evident that

this method is also least efficient, since the chemical is not evenly
68 BUEEAU OF STANDAEDS

distributed throughout the load. In the second method of application

the spray nozzles, two or more in number, are attached at the top of

the elevator used in conveying the coal from the car into the dealer's

bin. This method is very efficient, since all the coal receives an even spray of the chemical. In the third method the chemical is applied

at the mine in the same manner as just described in method two. Treatment at the mine seems to be most popular with the retail dealer

since the larger portion of treated coal sold is mine treated. The cost of treatment varies somewhat widely according to available data. One company marketing the prepared saturated chemical

solution which requires dilution with 11 parts of water, claims that

coal in lots of 500 tons can be treated by the dealer at a cost of 6 cents per ton. Another large manufacturer states that the cost is about 25

cents per ton in the case of low volatile coals and from 15 to 20 cents per ton in the case of the harder coals. The only local dealer consulted states that the cost ranges up to 25 cents per ton. This dealer

says that while previously his company had charged the purchaser

25 cents per ton extra for treatment, for the past year no difference in

prices had been made between treated and untreated coals. Similar

reports have been received from other dealers. The weights and measures official is particularly interested in the

effect of chemical treatment upon the weight of coal. Manufacturers

and distributors of chemicals and chemical compounds for coal treat- ment have stated that the weight of added water and chemicals does

not exceed 40 pounds per ton. The average is perhaps around 30 or 35 pounds per ton. In the case of one load of coal in which the

process was observed, the added water and chemicals amounted to 35

pounds per ton. It is believed that these figures are very nearly

correct. Abuse of the practice of chemical treatment of coal is suggested by

one large distributor of the treatment compound. After mentioning

the treating of slack, this manufacturer states that " many dealers sell this dustless slack as such, while others find that a few shovelsfull to the ton of regular coal is satisfactory, and they get rid of it that way."

This amounts, of course, to adulteration, since a very cheap product

is added in small amounts to one that sells at a much greater price.

All manufacturers of chemical compounds and apparatus for their

application claim that the chemicals recommended by them do not

injure the metal parts of furnaces and stoves. No authentic data

have been available either to substantiate or ' refute these claims.

Some analyses of treated coals have been made which show that the

chemicals added are not sufficient in amount to materially affect the

percentage of ash. Some experiments which have been reported

indicate that the combustion of the coal is little affected by the treat- ment.

The chemical treatment of coal has become well established. There

is every reason to believe that the sale of treated coal will continue to

increase. The pertinent question then is, "What attitude shall the

weights and measures official take toward the sale of chemically

treated coal? " At least two associations of weights and measures

officials have already gone on record in answer to this question. The

Sixteenth Annual Conference of Weights and Measure Officials of

the State of Michigan, in Detroit, June 25 to 29, 1929, passed a reso- lution to the effect that
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 69

it is its opinion that the so-called calcium chloride method of treating coal to make it dustless is not objectionable from a weights and measures standpoint,

when by this process the weight of the coal is not increased by more than 30 pounds per ton, and when, in addition, the coal so treated is described on the

delivery ticket and billed to the consumer as " chemically treated " coal. At its conference in Indianapolis in June, 1929, the Indiana Association of Weights and Measures Officials adopted the following reso- lution : Resolved, That the term " chemically treated " be hereafter applied to coal that has been treated in order to allay the dust usually attendant in the

delivery of coal; further, that since in the chemical treatment there is of

necessity a certain amount of moisture added, that it be the consensus

of opinion of the weights and measures inspectors assembled that 2,000 pounds

shall constitute a ton, just the same as though no treatment had been added,

providing that advertising and quotations shall specify " chemically treated "

coal.The attitude indicated in these resolutions seems fair and reasonable. Several factors which can not be controlled make deductions

of weight for added moisture impracticable. Coal treated at the

mine normally contains less moisture than coal treated in the yard.

The average difference has been estimated at about 10 pounds per ton. Generally more moisture will be present in coal treated after loading into the delivery truck than when treated at the time of unloading

into the yard bin. The percentage of moisture will also vary with

the varieties of coal treated, as well as with the size of the coal lumps

or particles. Precedent is not lacking for the sale of treated coal

as such without taking into account the moisture content. In many

lines of food manufacture natural products are slightly modified,

but sold under the name of the product with a qualifying word or

phrase.

Dealer and coal consumer are both protected if coal which has not

been fraudulently manipulated is sold under terms which both understand. Interests of both dealer and coal consumer are safeguarded

when chemically treated coal is sold by avoirdupois weight without

deductions for moisture added through the treating process, provided,

first, that the moisture added is kept within the limits necessary to properly distribute the chemical; second, that the coal is true to variety and grade ; and, third, that the coal is advertised and sold as " chemically treated " coal. THE RETAIL GROCER

By Henry Lohmann, representing the National Association of Retail Grocers Mr. Chairman and members of this conference, on behalf of the

National Association of Retail Grocers, whom I have the honor to represent, I wish to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your kind invitation to take part in this conference. Our national association

always welcomes all such invitations from any of the Government

agencies and our affiliated local associations are ever willing to co- operate with their commissioners, as we believe we retail grocers

should be given an opportunity to present our side on all matters

affecting the grocery and food business. We are firmly convinced

that the greatest amount of good will accrue from such conferences

between the Federal, State, and local agencies, and all trade bodies, to eliminate abuses or unfair trade practices by mutual agreements

rather than by process of law.
70 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Mr. Janssen, our national secretary, suggested to me that I speak on the relation between the weights and measures department and

the grocers. This is indeed a very delicate subject, but as a national

association we are continually cautioning our local associations to meet with their weights and measures commissioners, invite them

to their meetings and have round-table discussions on how best to serve the consuming public so that when they make their purchases

they are assured of getting 16 ounces to the pound, or the correct measure when commodities are sold by the quart, peck, or bushel.

Our association does not tolerate any member who is not square

with his customers in giving them honest weight or measure, or who

employs other unfair or questionable methods in his business. We

firmly believe that any grocer who uses such methods usually does

not last long in business, as the modern housewife has scales in her

kitchen and she will soon discontinue dealing with any merchant

whom she detects giving her short weight or measure. As secretary

of the Brooklyn Retail Grocers' Association, I do not recall ever hearing of any of our 750 members being in trouble with our local

bureau of weights and measures in my 30 years' membership, because we will not tolerate any such practices.

At present we hear a great deal of propaganda about short weighting the public. Much of it is from promotors, and I do not think

you will find any reputable grocers, large or small, who will stoop to such practices. I am assured if the weights and measures officials will enforce the law and make rigid inspections in every city and

State and prosecute any merchant who willfully gives short weight

or measure to the public, we will in a short time rid the country of

this practice. Our national, State, and local associations will

cooperate in every manner to bring this about.

The next subject I wish to speak about is the irregular or diversified packing of farm products. There is a large amount of unnecessary waste in packing and handling these products that could and

should be eliminated. Retail grocers feel that you men should give

this matter serious thought and strict study. As you know, at the

present date fresh fruits and vegetables can be bought all the year

round, being shipped from every State in the Union and packed in all kinds of containers.

The modern method of selling vegetables and fruit is either by the

pound or by numerical count, which you will agree with me is the

most simplified, accurate, and economical way of handling them.

Then why not have the farmers, commission men, and wholesalers

do the same to the grocers or retail fruit men ? Knowing that selling

fresh fruit and vegetables by weight or numerical count is the most

efficient and accurate way, we feel that we should be permitted to buy these products in the same way. At present in the markets we

buy some articles by weight, others by measure, and still others by

container, and must guess at the weight. This makes it necessary

for each retailer to weigh each container when it arrives at his store in order to find out how many pounds he bought. This causes confusion, as very often he has not sufficient time and must guess at the

amount of contents. We feel a good many articles could easily be packed in containers

by the producers and sold by weight, such as potatoes, onions,

turnips, carrots, etc. These articles adapt themselves very readily
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 71

to shipping in sacks, preferably in 100-pound units. Beans, peas,

etc., could be packed in bushel hampers with the weight of contents marked on hamper, and for the small grocer or fruit dealer in

smaller units of 10 and 20 pounds. Bunched vegetables, such as carrots, beets, radishes, etc., should be sold by numerical count and packed

in crates or boxes in lots of 25, 50, or 100. Lettuce of all kinds should

be sold by numerical count and should be packed in crates or boxes.

The New York State standard crate for lettuce is to be recommended

as the ideal crate for shipping lettuce. Lettuce shipped from Southern States, such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, is usually sent in

baskets, and comes to us in the New York market in 48-quart baskets. This means nothing to the retail dealer, as he sells them by

the head; consequently, he has to count the heads in each basket

in order to arrive at the cost per head. If we look at the economical

side of the question, let me say this is a very poor way of shipping let- tuce, as the percentage of broken and decayed heads is very large

and the receivers and grocers will not accept them, which brings

heavy losses to the doors of the farmers and shippers. In the New

York standard lettuce crate this is almost entirely eliminated.

After studying the 1928 container act, you will find that this act only applies to certain types of baskets; it does not apply to other

containers, such as barrels, bags, etc., and even permits the use of

other baskets if made in a different way than the baskets mentioned

in this law, or if made from other material. It also makes it optional

for maker, producer, or shipper to mark net contents on container,

which should be mandatory.

Another instance is the California law, which permits other than

the standardized apple box, and other sizes of grape lugs, besides

the standardized size, if conspicuously marked " Irregular." This

act does not make allowance for natural shrinkage ; it should do so, and the shrinkage can be worked out by actual test in a very simple manner. I will try and point out to you how I think this can be

arrived at. As soon as a container is packed with any of these farm

products mark on the container the hour and the day the packing

took place, then submit the full container to the most severe shipping

test for a given period of time. Then measure or weigh the contents

at the expiration of this period, and you will be enabled to find the

amount of shrinkage per hour or day. These tests can be made for

24, 48, or 72 hours or more, according to the distance of shipment.

As an example, if products should be sold by weight, how simply

and easily the allowance for shrinkage could be brought about, and

the matter of adjustment of loss by spoilage be computed. Take, for

instance, a basket of string beans: Net weight at time of packing,

35 pounds; allowance for shrinkage in 48 hours, 3 pounds; weight

at time of arrival, 32 pounds.

The grocers feel the allowance should be made at the point of

shipment, where the cost is lowest. To insure proper identification the name of the shipper and his address should be stamped on the

container. This will facilitate the identification of the shipper, and

the Federal bureau, if it found out that this shipper was in the habit

of packing slack or not marking his weights properly, could take

action against him. The effect of this action would be noticeable in

all shipments.
72 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

I found out yesterday that we had no effective weights and measures laws in a great many places. I really think that every State

should have a weights and measures law, and our association would

be very glad to take it up with you and try to get a weights and

measures law wherever one is needed. "We believe this work should

be pushed, and we will get behind it. I guarantee the consumer will

help put the law over in a very short time. I am now going to come down and talk on a very delicate subject,

and that is the sale of bread in standard-weight loaves. This is re- quired in Indiana and other States. It is a grave injustice, not

only to the baker, but to the consuming public, including the housewife, and I will try to demonstrate why this is so. In these States the weight of the bread is required to be 1 pound, iy2 pounds, or

multiples of a pound. The price of bread is governed by the cost of flour and other ingredients used and the labor, and the baker and

retailer should have a profit. In each community there is usually a certain set price for bread. "When the bakers pay a certain price

for the flour the consumer must meet that cost. If the cost of the

flour rises, the baker can keep the local price of the bread constant but make the loaves slightly smaller. If he did not do that he,

perhaps, would have to raise the price of bread to an odd cent. This

rise in price will affect the retail grocer. Now, in Xew York City

the standard price of bread has been 12 cents for three or four

years, but we have no mandatory weight law. The loaf may weigh

20 ounces at one time, 22 ounces at another. We have no trouble

with that. However, if it were made mandatory to bake a loaf

of a certain weight, and flour went up, the baker's price would go

up and the retailer would have to raise his price, and you would have

confusion. If on the contrary the baker did not raise the price he

could not put the same quality of ingredients into the loaf. In the

absence of a mandatory standard-weight loaf the baker could make

the weight accordingly and give the consumer the right amount.

Our National Association of Retail Grocers and its affiliated local and State associations will be pleased to hear from you men in con- ference here how we can cooperate with you to bring about more

adequate provisions for the right kind of service, and a more rigid

inspection, because we feel that most cities are woefully lacking in

adequate weights and measures inspection. Gentlemen, I thank

you.

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

Mr. Rogers. Mr. Lohmann, I would like to ask a question. You

ask cooperation. Cooperation is a fine thing for the weights and

measures men. But can this be a one-sided proposition? We have no record in the State of New Jersey where we were asked to attend a convention or meeting of either the retail or the wholesale grocers

:

and yet we always invite those groups when we hold our meetings.

Mr. Lohmann. I tell you what I will do. I will get in touch with

your local secretary, and I think you will be invited to the next State meeting.

Mr. Rogers. I think if you will make that a general practice and

get in touch with the sealers generally you will find those men will be

glad to attend your meetings.

(At this point, at 1 o'clock p. m., the conference took a recess until

2 o'clock p. m.)
FOURTH SESSION (AFTERNOON OF WEDNESDAY,

JUNE 4, 1930)

TOUR OF THE LABORATORIES OF THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

(The afternoon session of the conference consisted of a visit to the

various laboratories of the Bureau of Standards, particular attention

being devoted to the division of weights and measures. In order to make the trip of maximum interest and helpfulness, the delegates

and guests of the conference were divided into small groups, each

group being in charge of a member of the staff of the bureau.)

73
FIFTH SESSION (MORNING OF THURSDAY,

JUNE 5, 1930)

The conference reassembled at 10.07 o'clock a. m. at the Bureau

of Standards, Francis Meredith, first vice president, in the chair.

THE INSPECTION OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IN PHARMACIES

By Geopge F. Austin, Jr., Assistant Supervisor, Bureau of Weights and

Measures, Detroit, Mich.

Mr. Chairman and members of the conference and guests, the subject upon which I am going to talk, as you can see by the program,

has to do with the inspection of prescription scales and glass graduates. Perhaps a better title to the paper would be " Life in the Balance." It would give it a more serious complex, which I think would

bring about better results. The life of a weights and measures official could well be compared

to a huge nightmare, wherein the entire stage is occupied with weighing and measuring devices ranging from those capable of weighing

and measuring a beam of light to those capable of weighing and

measuring the world itself. As tasks go, the work of a weights and measures official is a mighty one, and with its many phases, each one important in itself, we find it very difficult at times to decide just what phase of the work

has to suffer most through our inattention. As a result, it is alarming to note that the supervision of prescription balances and glass

graduates used in pharmacies for compounding prescriptions, in

many instances containing deadly drugs, is that phase of our work

which is generally the most neglected. Just why this part of our work is so commonly neglected may be explained in many ways, but

that there is a vital necessity for it will be pointed out in reports to follow.

When I received this program assignment, together with information to the effect that this particular subject had not been touched on for a long time, I became curious to know just how many years

ago it had been given mention and what was said. So I immediately

consulted the very splendidly arranged index which the Bureau of

Standards just recently issued for the proceedings of each National

Conference of Weights and Measures Officials. To my surprise I found that 16 years have elapsed since the subject of prescription

scales and glass graduates has occupied a place on the national con- ference programs. In the year 1914, on the occasion of the ninth

annual conference, a paper was presented by F. P. Downing, who

was then chief inspector of weights and measures in Wisconsin.

To say the least. Mr. Downingr s paper was a masterpiece ; he not only . presented his entire subject in a masterly and scientific manner but

he succeeded in making it comprehensive and to the point. And

so in compliment to Mr. Downing and for your own personal aggran74
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 75

dizement I urge you to scan this very fine report, which is to be

found in the Keport of the Ninth Annual Conference, on pages 39

to 52, inclusive.

After reading Mr. Downing's paper myself I came to the conclusion that there was not very much left for anyone to say on the

subject, except, perhaps, to report on the present-day conditions

thereof. Simultaneously, however, I saw an urgent need for the

resurrection of his paper and the injection of some inspiration and

enthusiasm into many of our delegates for the purpose of stimulating their present feeble activities in this branch of our work, which

is so very important to life itself. What is life? Life in reality is a challenge to our physical

strength from the time of our advent on earth until our death. A

challenge to meet, endure, and overcome, if possible, the many trials and tribulations which our bodies are subjected to constantly, at times threatening our very existence. Part of that great challenge

to life itself is a moral challenge to every living soul ; it comes in the

form of opportunities, and the one paramount opportunity which is always present, the one I choose to call your attention to, is that of

safeguarding public health.

How many of us ever stop to consider what a glorious privilege

it is to live, to know, to act, to listen, to behold; to walk upon the

green earth; to look up at the blue summer sky; to see the sun

sink slowly beyond the line of the horizon; to see the outstretched ocean ; to look clown yawning precipices or over distant sunny vales

;

to see the world spread out under one's feet like a mat? To do all this is but part of the joy of living; and so, you see, it is not difficult to realize how precious life really is, when one stops to consider what

life really means. In the city of Detroit we have been systematically testing all prescription scales, weights, and glass graduates used in the drug stores for the past seven years, and the data listed herewith will serve to impress upon you the necessity for this type of work.

Prescription scales

Year Approved Condemned Confiscated

1923 537 544

90

52 3

1929 2 7+ 38- 1- As indicated, there were 73 per cent more prescription scales in use condemned in 1923 than in 1929. In some cases we found that it required as much as 10 grains to move the beam from a position of equilibrium.
76 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Prescrip Hon wcigh 1

8

Year Approved Condemned

and confis- cated

1923 11,000 12,000

1, 914

1929 315 1,000+ 1, 599- As indicated, there were 508 per cent more prescription weights in use condemned in 1923 than in 1929.

The ranges of errors found in weights condemned and confiscated

in 1923 were as follows

:

Grains 5-grain weights found in error up to 1. 6

10-grain weights found in error up to 3.

1

20-grain weights found in error up to 3. 30-grain weights found in error up to 6.

3

40-grain weights found in error up to 7. 3

60-grain weights found in error up to 8. 5

120-grain weights found in error up to 13. Glass graduates

Year Approved Condemnedand confis- cated

1923 1.800

2, 000

236

1929 78 200+ 158- As indicated, there were 203 per cent more glass graduates in use condemned in 1923 than in 1929. The testing equipment used for the inspection of precision weighing and measuring devices in Detroit, consists of the following

:

One small pocket balance. One set apothecary weights.

One set metric weights.

One set grain weights.

One 16-ounce cylindrical glass graduate. One 8-ounce cylindrical glass graduate.

One 4-ounce cylindrical glass graduate. One 2-ounce cylindrical glass graduate. One 1-ounce cylindrical glass graduate. One 1-dram cylindrical glass graduate. This equipment is contained in two oak carrying cases which are very compact and easily carried.

The Michigan State department has just recently inaugurated a systematic supervision of prescription scales, weights, and glass

graduates. Four men have been assigned to this work, and each one

is furnished with a small leather handbag, containing the following

equipment

:

One small pocket balance. One 4-ounce conical glass graduate.

One set apothecary weights. One 1-ounce conical glass graduate.

One set metric weights.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 77

In carrying on this great work, with its many phases and ramifications, it is quite obvious that a progressive type of personality is a

valuable adjunct. In general, as everybody knows, there are three

types of personalities, conservatives, average citizens, and progressives. The conservatives constantly resist change; the progressives

just as naturally promote change ; while the average citizens, by far

the largest class, sometimes side with one group and sometimes with

the other. Sometimes they are deceived by the rainbow promises of

visionary radicals; sometimes they pay the penalty of listening too

much to the forebodings of croaking fossils. Most times, however,

they are sanely reasonable, open-minded but demanding to be

" shown," so that to each extreme group they seem to be almost in

league with the opposite faction. But in our line of endeavor, it is paramount that we be progressives, and as progressives we must

necessarily be constituted with three great moral prerequisites,

namely, restless dissatisfaction, constructive thinking, and enthusiastic determination.

Restless dissatisfaction, the first requirement, is the motive power

in individual life, in national life, in commerce, in politics. Never

let well enough alone. You were put here to work for yourself and

for others, and especially for those to come after you. The man

who is letting well enough alone and not trying to do better, might

just as well be off the earth and give his place to some one who is willing to work. He does not deserve the noble work done here by

the dissatisfied before he was born. We might all be traveling

across country on a camel's back, like the Queen of Sheba, if we had

been satisfied with camels and had not invented the 2-wheeled cart,

the stage coach, the express train, the automobile, and the flying

machine.

Constructive thinking, the second requirement, is the art of keeping your mind on the great and splendid things you would like to do; and then, as the days go gliding by, you will find yourself unconsciously seizing upon the opportunities for the fulfillment of your

desire. To do constructive thinking, it is essential for one to be

logical, rational, scientific, and philosophic.

Enthusiastic determination, the third requirement, is the fire that

blazes in every successful life. It is the one necessary ingredient

in the recipe for doing good work. It tramples over prejudice

and opposition, spurns inaction, storms its object, and like an

avalanche overwhelms and engulfs all obstacles. It is nothing more

or less than faith in action.

Without restless dissatisfaction, without constructive thinking,

without

******

enthusiastic determination, man ceases to be progressive.

* DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

Mr. Schwartz. Mr. Chairman, I have been interested in the test- ing of prescription scales, weights, and glass graduates since 1915.

I would like to ask Mr. Austin if he considers that a glass graduate

can be accurately tested in the field and also how he works it—what

fluid he uses. Mr. Austin. We use the raw water. As to accuracy, we have

supervisors who go out from time to time and check over the work
78 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

of the men; in some instances they have brought graduates which

have been tested in the field, into the laboratory and checked them

and have found the previous calibration very accurate. Mr. Schwartz. In New Jersey our experience has been that the

testing of glass graduates in the field has been very unsatisfactory;

the test is not as accurate as the one we get in the laboratory. Because of the adnesion of the liquid to the glassware the test is made

rather difficult—it is practically an approximation.

Mr. Austin. We take care of it very nicely. We first wet the

vessel we are about to test, very carefully. After water has been

poured out of our test graduate it is quite easy to drain. Of course

there is a minor possibility of an error of very little consequence.

But the check tests which we have made have proved conclusively

that the field test is very satisfactory. I do not know why it could

not be satisfactory in your State. Mr. Schwartz. Well, of course, the making of our tests is a state- wide proposition. You only have a city to cover. We cover the entire State and make a specialty of that branch of the work. Some

of our work is practically similar to that which you do. But we feel there is great need for accuracy in this type of work, and in the

testing of graduates we are not satisfied that we get nearly as accurate a test in the field as we get in the laboratory.

Mr. Sweeney. Mr. Chairman, may I ask Mr. Austin as to the

policy they pursue in sealing weights and glass graduates in the

field. Are the weights stamped or is a certificate furnished ? Mr. Austin. We do not mark the weights. We feel that were we

to stamp very fine weights, there would be the danger of making

them inaccurate. Apparently it is not practical and so we have

gone along without it. I get your point that there is a risk that new weights might be

secured or replacements made and that the certificate is only a guarantee that at the time we were there the weights were bona fide, but

I do not think stamping would improve the situation at all. You

might say this about scales in grocery stores. You can test and seal such scales, but 24 hours after you go there is no guarantee that the

scales are accurate. The same thing would be true in scales used in

drug stores. Does that cover your point ? Mr. Sweeney. It does. But what I was going to suggest is this

:

In Boston we designate the small weights by 1, 2, or 3 points, using

a very fine sharp instrument to stamp them. We also furnish the

manager of the store with a certificate describing the weights as to shape—whether oblong or square—and also designating the marks

and number of points thereon. If there is a reinspection of that

place, we demand that the certificate be shown to us—of course, we

have a duplicate copy of the record in the office. The sealer checks

the certificate to see whether any new weights have been added. If

the sealer checks the weights and finds some which do not correspond

with the certificate, then he knows which weights have been added

and he need test only the new weights.

Mr. Austin. I like that idea very well. The Acting Chairman. I might interject that this is the practice

throughout the State of Massachusetts.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 79

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR AUTOMATIC-INDICATING SCALES, PRESENTED BY F. S. HOLBROOK, CHAIRMAN ± Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, your Committee on Specifications

and Tolerances has prepared a code of specifications and tolerances

for automatic-indicating scales. This subject has been under consideration for several years. It was included in the program last year, but on account of insufficient time the committee found it impossible

to bring in a report at last year's conference. The necessity for

specifications for automatic-indicating scales, however, was pointed

out at that time in the following words

:

I may say, however, that it is the thought of the committee that the confer- ence does not have satisfactory specifications for automatic-indicating scales, or

if there are satisfactory specifications they are so widely distributed throughout

various codes that it requires considerable cross-referencing to determine just

what the requirements are. For instance, when these codes were first estab- lished the spring scale was the most widely used automatic-indicating scale, and, therefore, the requirements as to graduations on dials, etc., were included

under the heading " Spring Scales." However, with the rapid advent of automatic-indicating scales of differing types, it seems that it would be more

reasonable to have the specifications referring to graduations on dials, etc., assembled under the general heading "Automatic-Indicating Scales." As you

know, we already have tolerances for this class of machine.

That outUnes what the committee has in mind and we may advise that we may find it possible to bring in next year a report along these lines, in which

case you will have an opportunity to accept or reject the recommendations

made.

As you know, in Handbook M85 of the Bureau of Standards, con- taining the codes of specifications and tolerances of this conference,

we do have under the heading of " Large Capacity Automatic-Indicating Scales," definitions and tolerances, but no specifications. It

is intended that the heading here proposed supersede that one and

that the specifications be general ones, referring to all scales of this

class, regardless of capacity.

In general, the requirements of this proposed code which is now

being placed in your hands are by no means new ones, and it seems

that we may depart from our ordinary procedure followed in the

adoption of new codes, and that, therefore, this new code need not

be tentatively adopted. It is therefore recommended for final adoption at this time to go into force and effect on July 1, 1931. In the

meantime, of course, the specifications for the various classes under

their respective headings remain in full force and effect. When this

code finally goes into effect it will be advisable to delete from our

present codes various specifications which duplicate the material

contained in this report.

Underlined portions of specifications are intended to be nonretroactive when the code goes into effect. Finally, your committee feels that this code is by no means complete and that doubtless from time to time it may be found desirable

to add specifications to this heading. Your committee during the

coming year will be very pleased, indeed, to receive suggestions from

anyone as to requirements which it is felt should be included and

4 The specifications and tolerances for automatic-indicating scales, as adopted by the

conference, appear in the appendix, beginning on p. 150.
80 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS

will give any such suggestions very careful consideration. Your

committee does feel, however, that this code constitutes a good beginning in this important field. Respectfully submitted.

(Signed) F. S. Holbrook, Chairman*

A. W. Schwartz,

Charles M. Fuller,

I. L. Miller,

Committee on Specifications and Tolerances.

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE REPORT

Mr. Holbrook. The suggested provisions of the code recommended,

and which has been placed in your hands, will now be read, as follows

:

Definition.—An automatic-indicating scale is a scale in which is embodied

or to which is attached a self-acting mechanism, the capacity of which may

be equal to or less than the total capacity of the scale, through the agency

of which the indicated or recorded weights of variable loads may be obtained. This definition is not to be construed to include scales which automatically

weigh out commodities in predetermined drafts, such as automatic grain

hopper scales, packaging scales, etc. Automatic-indicating scales may be of any one of the following types as classified and defined in these codes of speci- fications and tolerances: Platform scales (including counter platform scales), counter scales, spring scales, straight-face spring scales, and computing scales. Each automatic-indicating scale shall be subject to the following specifications

and to those given under the heading " Scales—General Specifications " ; and.

in addition, each scale falling within the definition of any of the classes mentioned above shall be subject to the specifications for such class except in so far as they may be modified by the specifications herein. Specifications.—1. The weight dial or reading face, or the indicator, whichever is designed as the stationary element, shall be securely fixed in position; the moving element of the combination shall be securely attached to its operating mechanism : Provided, however, That this specification shall not be con- strued to prohibit the employment of a movable auxiliary dial or reading face

or a movable auxiliary indicator designed to be rotated or moved in reference

to a fixed dial or reading face or a fixed indicator, respectively, for the purpose

of " balancing out " tare weights.

This specification is to supersede specification No. 1, under the

heading " Spring Scales," reading as follows

:

1. Reading faces shall be permanently fixed in position.

The specification is amplified properly to cover the moving and

stationary elements of the combination. When the specification was

first written only a movable pointer or indicator was considered, but

now we have, as you know, a large class of scales in which the reading face or dial is the movable element and the indicator is fixed in

position.

The proviso refers to scales in which there is incorporated a device

for determining tare. These scales are of various kinds ; usually an

auxiliary indicator or an auxiliary reading face is provided for the

purpose of balancing out the tare of containers which are being

filled. These scales are designed to indicate at one and the same time

the gross weight and the net weight of commodities placed upon the

platform.

The Acting Chairman. In view of the fact that the report of the

committee is in the nature of a progress report and that the entire
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 81

subject is one that should be under observation and consideration,

during and until the next conference, the Chair considers that it might conserve time if we do not adopt each specification individually

but merely make observations, if there happen to be serious objections

to some certain specifications. I think that after all of the specifications have been read we might consider the adoption of the report

as a whole.

Mr. Holbrook (reading) : 2. All weight graduations on the dial or reading face shall be clear and

distinct and in no case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch nor more than

the width of the clear interval between the graduations. Correspondmg graduations shall be equal in width. Main graduations shall not be more than 50 per cent wider than subordinate graduations.

This specification is to supersede specification No. 2 under the

heading " Spring Scales," reading as follows

:

2. All graduations shall be clear and distinct and equally spaced and in no

case shall their width be less than 0.008 imch. The requirement for equal spaces between graduations has been

eliminated, inasmuch as other scales, in addition to spring scales, are included within the purview of the provision. You will note,

also, that some new material has been added.

3. There shall be a clear interval between the weight graduations on the dial or reading face and this interval shall in no case be less than 0.04 inch. This

interval is to be measured between the adjacent edges of successive graduations

representing the smallest subdivision on the dial or reading face, and along the

line of travel of the index of the indicator and shall be maintained whether or not the graduations are " staggered " or arranged alternately ; that is, when the graduations are staggered the interval shall be construed to be the space from

one graduation to the next consecutive graduation extended, if necessary, to

intersect the line of measurement. When the graduations are not parallel the

interval shall be construed to be the widest separation of the graduations which

is included within the travel of the index of the indicator. That specification is to supersede specification JSTo. 3 under the

heading " Spring Scales," which now reads as follows

:

3. The clear interval betiveen the graduations shall not be less than 0.0^ inch. You will note that the basic requirement is identical with the old

basic requirement, but an interpretation of the manner of measure- ment has been included. Especially, if staggered graduations are employed, it is provided that the clear interval shall, nevertheless, be

maintained.

4. The value of the minimum graduation on the dial or reading face shall be

construed to be the smallest weight value represented by the travel of the

indicator from the center of any graduation to the center of the next succeeding

graduation.

This specification is new material. The term " minimum graduation " has been used in the specifications, and it is felt by the

committee that this term should be defined. The language suggested

is considered to be a reasonable interpretation of that term.

5. An automatic-indicating scale shall have a definite and clear zero graduation and shall be susceptible of giving an indication back of the zero graduation

sufficient clearly to disclose an out-of-balance condition. These conditions shall be fulfilled whether the entire dial or reading face is graduated or the graduations commence at a fixed load. 24342°—31 7
82 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

That specification is to supersede specification No. 5 under the

heading " Spring Scales," reading as follows

:

5. A spring scale shall have a definite and clear zero graduation and there

shall be no stop to prevent the indicator from going beyond the zero graduation.

These conditions shall be fulfilled whether the entire face is graduated or the graduations commence at a fixed load. The specification has been reworded to accommodate scales having

either a movable indicator and a fixed reading face or dial or a movable dial or reading face and a fixed indicator, as was the case in specification No. 1. The further requirement of the specification is identical with the

old requirement in the opinion of the committee.

6. All weight indicators shall be so designed and constructed that the indi- cations are definite and may be read with precision.

This is to supersede specification No. 7 under the heading " Spring

Scales," and is practically identical with the present specification.

7. All weight indicators shall reach to the graduations ; or if the construction

is such that the indicator and the dial or reading face are in the same plane

then there shall not be a separation of the ends of the graduations and the end of the indicator, of more than 0.04 inch, this distance to be measured along

the line of the graduations.

This specification is to supersede specification No. 6 under the

heading " Spring Scales," and is practically identical with it.

8. When a weight indicator extends along the entire length of a graduation

then all that portion of the indicator which may be brought into coincidence with the graduation shall be the same width throughout.

This specification is new and is designed to obtain a proper co- operation between the indicator and the graduations on the reading

face or dial, so that the weight may be properly, accurately, and

readily read.

9. The clearance between the index of the indicator and the dial or reading

face shall not exceed 0.06 inch in the case of all automatic-indicating scales except spring scales not equipped loith a device intended to compensate for changes in the elasticity of the springs due to temperature effects; in this latter class of scales this cleai-ance shall not exceed 0.12 inch. Provided, however,

That this shall not be construed to prohibit the employment of an additional

indicator at a greater distance from the dial or reading face, designed and con- structed so as to facilitate the correct positioning of the eye of the observer

properly to read the indications of the scale and reduce parallax, when such

additional indicator is clearly differentiated from the weight indicator so that

it will not be mistaken therefor. This specification is to supersede specification No. 8, under the

heading " Spring Scales," reading in part as follows

:

The distance between the indicator and the reading face shall not exceed

0.12 inch. and which contains also the proviso contained in this specification. It also is partially to supersede specification No. 5, under the heading " Computing Scales," which reads in part as follows

:

The distance between the chart and the weight and the value indicators

shall in no case exceed 0.06 inch. It will be noted that the present requirement is that computing

scales have a clearance between the indicator and the chart of not more than 0.06 inch, and that spring scales other than spring-computing scales, and all other automatic-indicating scales, have a clear-
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 83

ance between the indicator and the reading face or dial of 0.12

inch.

Now the figures of 0.06 inch and 0.12 inch have been retained,

but the classification of the scales to which these clearances apply

has been modified to some extent as will be noted from the present

wording suggested. It is believed by the committee that this classi- fication is a better and a more logical classification than that which was formerly employed in the two specifications which I have read.

10. When tests are being made with both increasing and decreasing loads on any automatic-indicating scale, the indications on all increasing loads shall be within the normal tolerances provided, and also at any stage of the test the range between corresponding observations for increasing and decreasing

loads shall not be greater than the sum of the tolerances in excess and in deficiency for the load in question.

This specification is at present contained under the heading

" Scales—General Specifications," but it is specified that it is to be

limited to apply to automatic-indicating scales; therefore, it seems apparent that the specification should be included here and that

eventually the requirement should be deleted in its present position.

There has been no change in the requirements of the specification.

11. An automatic-indicating scale shall be so designed and constructed that

the element supplying the counterforce, such as the spring, the pendulum, etc., is securely held in adjustment and this element shall not be adjustable from the

outside of the scale ; that is, a partial disassembling of the scale mechanism or of

the housing shall be required to reach any adjustable parts provided.

This is to supersede specification No. 11 under the heading

" Spring Scales," which reads as follows

:

No device to alter the working or effective length of the spring shall be

Dlaced on the outside of a spring scale. You will note that the old language has been amplified not only

to include all counterforce elements, in addition to springs, but also

to require that the counterforce element be securely held in adjustment. In addition, it contains an interpretation of what is meant

by adjustment from the outside of the scale. Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described above, the tolerances to be allowed on any automatic-indicating scale shall be the tolerances allowed on

the class to which the scale under test belongs ; these will be found under the

specific heading embracing such class. You will note that there is no change in the tolerance provisions.

Under the method of procedure proposed to be adopted, the toler- ances now included under the heading " Large-Capacity AutomaticIndicating Scales" will be transferred to the heading "Platform

Scales " and will be properly amalgamated with the tolerances al- ready contained under that heading.

That concludes the report of the committee. As has been stated,

that report is recommended for final adoption at this time, with the

proviso that the requirements do not go into force and effect until

July 1, 1931. It has further been suggested that, when these specifications go into force and effect, the other codes of specifications be

amended in order to prevent duplication between the new and the old

codes.

Mr. Sweeney. Mr. President, I move the adoption of the committee report.

Mr. Flaherty. I second the motion.
84 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The Acting Chairman. It has been moved and seconded that the

report of the Committee on Specifications and Tolerances on Specifications and Tolerances for Automatic-Indicating Scales be ac- cepted, and the recommendations adopted. Are you ready for the

question ? Mr. Maroney. May I suggest to the committee that there is no

specification offered for the width of the indicators that are used

in conjunction with the various dials? May I offer the suggestion

that the width of the pointer be restricted so that the end of that

pointer shall not be greater in width than the width of the graduations on the dial? I offer this as a suggestion without going into

detail on it. We all know that some pointers are unsatisfactory in

this respect.

Mr. Holbrook. I think that is a very good suggestion. As a matter of fact, the committee had under consideration a specification

along that very line ; but before proposing a mandatory specification

they desired to make a general study of the entire question of indi- cators in combination with graduations. The main complication is that continuous indicators on computing scales are employed to cooperate not only with weight graduations, but also with value

graduations. I can assure Mr. Maroney the committee will have

something to propose on this question at the next conference. It would have been proposed at this conference, but the time available

to obtain the required information was found to be too short and,

therefore, after considerable debate upon a specification which

reached the rough-draft form, it was deferred for future action.

Mr. Maroney. I thank you.

Mr. Briggs. Mr. Holbrook, in the specifications dealing with the

dial graduations and other details, is there likely to be any confusion

in interpreting these specifications in reference to an automatic indicating device, where optical means are employed—where the projected image of an indicator and scale may be used for reading ? Mr. Holbrook. The device to which you refer was in the minds

of the committee, as were all automatic-indicating scales with which we were familiar. At one time it was considered that a special specification might be included to cover this, due to the fact that the

indicator and the reading face or dial in this case would be the

shadow which is read on a ground glass face—it would not be the

actual scale which projects the image. However, it seemed to the

committee to be so obvious that the shadow scale and indicator

which were read were the scale and indicator referred to in the specifications that it was not considered necessary especially to point that

fact out in the specifications.

Mr. Briggs. You have covered the ground and considered that in

preparing the specifications?

Mr. Holbrook. We consider the specifications are applicable to the

machine which you mention.

Mr. Briggs. Proposed specification Xo. 9 reads, in part, as follows

:

The clearance between the index of the indicator and the dial or reading face

shall not exceed 0.06 inch in the case of all automatic-indicating scales except

spring scales not equipped with a device intended to compensate for changes in the elasticity of the springs due to temperature effects; There seems to be no reference to size of dial. It occurs to me that

there is one type of scale which would be required to conform to this
TWEXTY-THLRD CONFERENCE OX WEIGHTS AXD MEASURES 85

clearance which might have difficulty, and that is these pendulum

scales which have dials 3 or 4 feet in diameter. It seems that the

matter of size of dial might be given some consideration in a provision of this kind. Manifestly, if you have a dial 4 feet across it would be much more difficult to maintain the necessary clearance for

the satisfactory operation of the mechanism than when you have a

small dial. Mr. Holbrook. That is undoubtedly true, but the committee naturally desires to maintain the smaller clearance of 0.06 inch in all cases where it is possible to do so, in order to reduce the parallax

and obtain as accurate a reading as may be from the combination.

It was considered in relation to the class of scales that you mention

that the machining of the parts is so carefully done, and they are arranged so truly within the scale, that the manufacturers would be

able to live up to that requirement. If any difficulty is apprehended

by the manufacturers the committee would be xevj glad to listen to

their statements in that connection.

Mr. Briggs. In specification No. 11, a provision is introduced which, on careful reading and study, relates apparently to the adjustment

of a device, and does not relate to the balancing of the scale. Mr. Holbrook. This specification is not considered to relate to the

ordinary balancing means, as that which changes the relation of the

rack and pinion, for instance.

Mr. Briggs. You have in mind such changes as the effective length

of the spring?

Mr. Holbrook. Yes. Mr. Briggs. It occurred to me in reading it, however, that in the

minds of some it could be very easily confused with the balancing

arrangement, or the device used to set your indicator at zero. No

sooner had that thought occurred to me than some one in this neighborhood commented on the making of the zero adjustment in such a

case. Would it not be desirable to introduce a sentence making it clear that it is not intended to apply to the adjustment of the zero ? Mr. Holbrook. If the specification is likely to be misleading, I

think it would be well to add a sentence indicating in effect that the

requirement is not intended to apply to the ordinary balancing ar- rangement, commonly employed, and" if the conference is willing, the

committee would be very glad to frame a sentence along those lines

and add it to the specification.

Mr. Briggs. Just one more point I have in mind, possibly a minor

one. I find no reference to the word " symmetry " or " symmetrical "

as a requirement for pointers or indicators.

Mr. Sweexey. You will find that in specifications Nos. 7 and 8. Mr. Briggs. The point I have in mind is that where the indicators

are not symmetrical there are differences in personal viewpoints as to whether the observer is reading precisely on the indications. It would apply whether the pointer extended the full length of the

graduation or not. Mr. Holbrook. I think, Mr. Briggs, that is exactly the kind of suggestion the committee asked to be made, and the committee might

very well give the question of the symmetry of the indicators consideration during the coming year.
86 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Mr. Harrison. I understand from specification Xo. 2 that you con- template that certain graduations may be wider than other graduations. Reference is made to the fact that the graduations may not be

wider than the clear interval between the graduations. Is it contemplated by the committee that the clear interval between graduations

referred to should be maintained between the wider graduations and

those adjacent to it, or is it sufficient to have the required clear in- terval between the graduations which are not so wide % Mr. Holbrook. It would be my interpretation that no graduation

might be wider than the clear interval between that graduation and

the graduations adjacent to it. If it is desired to make the width of

the graduation equal to the width of the clear interval between the

graduations, in that case all of the graduations should be of equal

width. I think it would be very unfortunate at any point on the dial to have any graduation which is wider than the clear interval between

it and the adjacent graduation.

The Acting Chairman. With the suggested changes which the

committee will deal with in accordance with the expressed understanding,5 we are now ready for the question on the adoption of the

specifications as a whole.

(It was moved and seconded that the report of the committee be

adopted as recommended, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

THE SUPPRESSION OF FRAUDULENT PRACTICES

By J. M. Vanderslice, District Supervisor, Bureau of Weights and Measures,

City and County of Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. President, delegates, and friends, the bureau of weights and

measures of Philadelphia is composed of seven subdivisions, each one under the direction of a district supervisor, as follows: (1)

Scales, weights, and measures; (2) commodities; (3) coal inspections; (4) purchasing of commodities; (5) inspection of drug scales; (6) gasoline and oil; and (7) milk bottles. In Philadelphia 90 per cent of our prosecutions are based upon

evidence secured by our own inspectors in making purchases of

commodities, while the balance of our prosecutions result from in- vestigations where we find dealers manipulating scales in various

ways. Our method of investigation by making purchases of commodities is as follows

:

In Italian, Jewish, or colored sections we engage by the day a woman of each respective nationality to do the buying; after the

purchase is made she is met outside of the store by our inspectors,

who accompany her back into the store. The goods are reweighed on the scales over which they were sold. If the weight is correct,

usually the merchant is glad to refund the purchase price, thus

enabling us to make many purchases without too great an outlay

of money.

If the purchase is short in weight, the commodity is retained by

our inspectors, we swear out a warrant, and the defendants are

5 In accordance with this understanding the following addition was made at the end of specification No. 11, as read: "(This specification does not refer to the means commonly

provided for adjusting the zero balance condition of a scale.)"
TWENTY-THIED CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 87

brought before the court. If the goods are perishable, they are given

to some public institution as soon as possible.

On private complaints the same procedure is followed, when the

buyer will make an affidavit, but sometimes it is very difficult to get

these private complainants to appear. A recent example of this

follows : On Saturday morning one of our inspectors noticed through

the window of a certain store a woman buying a ham. He also

noticed the butcher putting his hand under the scale and pulling

it down. Our inspector stopped the woman outside the store and

told her about it. The ham was brought into our bureau, and upon

being reweighed it was found to be iy2 pounds short on a purchase

of 6 pounds. This woman swore to the affidavit and the date for

the hearing was set. On the morning of the hearing we called at

this woman's home to take her to the court, but we were informed

by her daughter that she was ill and unable to appear. We realized

that she had been influenced to stay away. The butcher appeared

at the hearing, and, of course, our case failed, no prosecutor being

present.

The butcher told us the whole story. It appears that three days

following the purchase this same woman called on the butcher to make another purchase, cautioning him to keep his hands off the

scale and warning him that he was going to be arrested. The butcher

told her he would take care of her if she would not appear at the

hearing; she promised to stay away. All she got out of this was

two small pieces of meat. Her husband earned $18 a week, and they

had seven children.

So you will appreciate how difficult it is to get convictions. Some

people make a practice of buying from these butchers, taking a chance of getting short weight; if they detect short weight, they

demand money from the butcher, knowing that if he is arrested it will cost him much more. From our experience we have found that

dealers in meats and poultry are the most flagrant offenders against

the weights and measures laws and the most persistent in selling

short weight. A number of dealers have been prosecuted and fined

a second and third time.

Before the advent of the modern scale 80 per cent of the weights were incorrect. The worst weight ever confiscated by this office was

a 4-pound weight that weighed only 2y2 pounds. The chain stores operated by the large companies cooperate with us to the fullest extent. It is with the small dealer that we have the most trouble.

When our bureau was organized 16 years ago we found that 90 per

cent of the milk bottles in use would not hold their legal capacity,

but after correcting this matter with the manufacturers we soon found the percentage of short milk bottles becoming smaller and

smaller, and for several years past we have been unable to find an

undercapacity milk bottle in Philadelphia. We have a special crew

assigned to inspect drug-store scales and weights, who are particularly trained in that branch of our work and who devote their entire

time to it. The situation on coal inspections in Philadelphia is very

good; occasionally we find some dealer who attempts to sell short

weight, very much to his regret.

Now, as to the gasoline and motor-oil proposition, I may say that we have about 9,000 gasoline pumps and many thousands of oil bottles
88 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

to look after. We have 22 inspectors to cover an area of about 133

square miles. Again it is the little fellow we have to watch. Since

last September we have ordered destroyed about 500 illegal oil bottles. We found the small dealer using so-called Mason fruit jars for oil bottles; these were improper, for, in the first place, the content was

not blown in the bottle, and then again they did not hold a quart.

We usually give the dealer his choice of breaking them up while we

are present, or having them confiscated by us, which means prosecution. He usually breaks them.

When we receive a complaint from some one who thinks he has

received short-measure gasoline, I call upon the complainant and get

the exact location of the pump from which the purchase was made.

I then call at the gasoline station and make a purchase of gasoline

from that pump directly into the " dummy " tank of my car, which

I will describe later. A short distance away we drain this gasoline

out and measure it. If this amount is short, some time within one week afterwards a second purchase is made in the same manner. If

the second purchase is also short, we leave the car some distance away

and return to the gasoline station on foot and test all pumps on the

premises. This is about 10 minutes after the second purchase is made. The reason for allowing one day or more to elapse between

purchases is to classify the seller as a persistent violator. If the

pump from which the short purchase is made shows correct on the

test, then the pump must have been manipulated on the sale. If the

pump is short on test, then the sale was made from an inaccurate

instrument. In either case a warrant is issued for the manager of

the station. We have made many arrests for this violation and have

secured 100 per cent convictions. Not one case has failed, nor has

one case been appealed.

For the purpose of making test purchases I have a double tank on

the back of my car. By the use of levers and a connecting pipe, this

, tank can be made into one complete running tank, or it can be

separated into one-half running tank and one-half buying tank.

We buy into the regular inlet of the tank. The other side has a

" fake " gage cap which can be removed, thus giving me a separate

inlet into each side of the tank if necessary. I wish to say at this time I have this car outside and at the conclusion of this program, if anyone cares to have me do so, I will be

glad to explain it and show them how we work it in Philadelphia.

The penalties in Pennsjdvania are: For the first offense, $25 and

costs, that is, $4 ; for the second offense, $50 and costs, that is, $4, and

for each and every subsequent offense, a fine of not more than $100.

In default of the payment of any fine as aforesaid, the person convicted shall be sentenced to serve one day in jail for each dollar of

the fine and costs. This has proved so effective that in the last year

we have not been able to catch the same offender twice. The worst

buy we ever made was 2y2 gallons for 5 gallons, from a condemned

pump.

One particular case I would like to cite before closing is as follows

:

We received a complaint that short measure was being given at a certain place from a certain pump. I made five purchases from this

pump—every one was short, varjdng from 30 cubic inches to 80

cubic inches. After the last purchase the inspector and myself re-
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE OX WEIGHTS AXD MEASURES 89

turned on foot and tested the nine pumps which we found on the

premises; eight were correct; the one from which we bought short,

showed short on test and, of course, we condemned it. We watched

the place for two days to see if they continued to sell from the con- demned pump. On the following day we attempted to make a purchase from this condemned pump, but the manager would not sell from it ; instead he shifted us to the adjoining pump and we received

short measure in the amount of 30 cubic inches from this pump.

Needless to say, we swore out a warrant for his arrest, and he was

fined $25 and costs, that is, $4. DISCTJSSIOX OF ABOVE PAPER

The Actixg Chairman. Does anyone wish to ask any questions on

this paper ? Mr. Crockett. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask what shortage is allowed.

Mr. Vaxderslice. Seven cubic inches in excess or deficiency.

Mr. Crockett. Do you hold it to 7 cubic inches ? Mr. Vaxderslice. Yes. Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Chairman, in connection with the statement

of the gentleman from Philadelphia that he has a test car here, I am

also advised that the division of weights and measures of the city of

Baltimore have brought over their decoy car used for the purpose

of making test purchases of gasoline, and this may be examined by

those interested during the noon recess in front of this building.

James T. Everett will be in charge and will show how it operates.

Thus we will have the opportunity to examine two cars at the same

time.

The Actixg Chairman. This is a very interesting subject, and I

have no doubt that many will enjoy the opportunity and privilege of

examining these cars. Mr. C. P. Smith. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the gentleman

from Philadelphia what allowance he makes for the liquid that might

adhere to the sides of the tank and the hose.

Mr. Vaxderslice. vYe never prosecute for shortages of less than

30 cubic inches.

Mr. Austix. Mr. Chairman, Ralph Smith has asked me to give a description of our testing in Detroit; and if time permits, I would

like to go ahead with that. In this connection I would like to ask the

gentleman from Philadelphia a question : Do you buy this gas out- right in Philadelphia ? Mr. Vaxderslice. Oh, yes ; we pay for it. Mr. Austin. The ordinance of the city of Detroit specifies that

short weight is illegal in the case of any commodities purchased, sold, or exhibited or offered for sale, and a person is subject to prosecution for offering for sale a commodity short in weight the same as though it were an outright purchase. This has this advantage, that we can make many purchases and return the commodities if found

full weight or measure. It saves the handling of the commodity. I

will go over some figures briefly before I point out our method of

buying.
90 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The following results were obtained in a 7-day drive with one

" buy car " operating

:

391 5-gallon purchases (1,955 gallons handled).

54 shortages, from 1 pint to 1% gallons. 13.8 per cent of the deliveries were short measure.

Total fines, $1,140; average fine, $21 (approximately).

In a 3-day drive conducted very recently with two " buy cars

" operating the following results were found

:

382 5-gallon purchases (1,910 gallons handled).

40 shortages, from 1 pint to 1 gallon. 10.5 per cent of the deliveries were short measure.

Total fines, $790; average fine, $20 (approximately).

In the case of the latter work we have made conservative estimates

as to what losses will result to the purchasing public, of the city of

Detroit, from shortages such as in the following

:

Total shortage on 382 purchases ounces 1, 365 Average shortage per sale, approximately do SV2 Approximate number of sales per day at each station 50 Number of filling stations in Detroit gas stations 1, 400 Total shortages per day. 245,000 ounces gallons short per day 1, 914

Steal per day $382. 80

Steal per month 11,484.00

Steal per year 137, 808. 00 You can see the seriousness of this shortage of gas—it amounts to considerable when you get down to figures. In just a moment I

will explain what a " buy car " is. Now, we find that when we make a drive the word flashes about the

city in the shake of a lamb's tail. We find that after we have been

out operating our buy cars for two and one-half days, the number of

shortages decreases. That shows that the element of advance notice must be eliminated and this is how we go about it to eliminate

that. Most of these drives we put on over the week-end. We start about 10 o'clock Saturday morning, and about the same time the

last loads of gasoline are leaving the refineries for the last trip on

Saturday. They return to the refineries about 1 or 2 o'clock in the

afternoon. So shortly after we start out, the tank wagons are re- turning to the station, with the result that this means of communicaion is not possible. Telephones have been eliminated from all company stations, so news is not likely to spread in that manner. The main thing in a gas drive is to make as many stops as you can and in as short a time as possible. By the method which we have

adopted, we make a gas purchase every eight minutes; when using

the two buy cars we can make two every eight minutes, or one every

four minutes.

The last drive described was a 3-day drive and we made 382 purchases covering almost one-fourth of the gasoline filling stations in

the city in three days. Now, it will be interesting to point out how

we were able to make three hundred and eighty-two 5-gallon buys

in three days. We use in connection with one " buy car " two " fol- low-up " cars which carry the measuring equipment. As it takes

about twice as long to check as it does to make the purchases, you can

see that one buy car will keep two follow-up cars busy, The buy
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 91

car comes in and makes a purchase at a station. Immediately after

the delivery, the question is always asked of the operator as to the

cost, so as to commit him to the fact that he understood what was

asked for. For instance, if you have asked for 5 gallons of gas and

he quotes }^ou the price of 4, you know he has misunderstood you,

but if he quotes the proper figure for 5 gallons there is no question

about a misunderstanding. Just the moment delivery has been made

to the buy car the follow-up car drives up and makes a test of the

gas delivered; in the meantime the buy car is proceeding to the

next, station, where a purchase is made, and this time the second

follow-up car makes the check ; and so on. In that way it is possible to make a stop every eight minutes with

the buy car and if you are lucky enough to have two buy cars you

can double the speed of the work.

Mr. Crockett. Are these tests made right in the station ? Mr. Austin. These tests are made at various stations, but they

are not made at every station along the street. Mr. Crockett. Do they make the measurement right at the station ? Mr. Austin. Yes ; the measuring of gas is done right in front of

the operator.

Mr. Maroney. Mr. President, may I ask Mr. Austin a question?

You tell about the loss of gasoline, but say nothing of pumps that were in excess. Mr. Austin. You do not find many.

Mr. Sweeney. What did you find?

Mr. Austin. We do not keep a record of it. I would simply say

there are few overdeliveries as much as 7 or 8 cubic inches ; sometimes

you might get a half pint over. Mr. Maroney. Then your figures are unfair when you quote the

percentage of the total loss to the consumer, because if at one station one pump is over and one is under, the discrepancies tend to cancel

each other, and there may be no net loss to the average consumer. If

you neglect overdeliveries in your figures the total loss in your city

is not what your figures show.

Mr. Austin. Surely.

Mr. Maroney. With a temperature above 90°, for instance, the

expansion might make a considerable difference. Again, suppose the

drainage of the hose is not perfect. In other words, suppose in

draining a partial vacuum was created and you found the shortage was due to the fact that liquid was retained in the hose. Would that

bring a prosecution ? Mr. Austin. We do not pay any -attention to what may be left in

the hose. There are cases where we found they made a practice of

holding some part in the hose, afterwards pouring this back into

storage ; so any gas which is not actually delivered is not taken into

account. Mr. Maroney. Suppose a 7-cubic-inch tolerance is allowed; would

you prosecute a man on a shortage of 7 cubic inches in 5 gallons if you found 7 or 8 cubic inches had been retained undelivered in the

hose—gas which he would have delivered to you had the hose drained

properly ? Mr. Austin. All we take into consideration and the only thing

in which we are interested is a shortage of 1 pint or over.
92 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Mr. Maroney. And if there is excessive heat in your town which

expands the relief valve and it does not work as it should he is a

violator of the law ? Mr. Austin. Yes ; the seller is responsible for what is delivered.

Mr. Vanderslice. I would like to say, Mr. Chairman, that we

use New Jersey tags when we make test purchases in Pennsylvania

for the reason that all the stations are familiar with the Pennsylvania

numbers that we use. I would like to ask Mr. Austin what kind of

a tank he buys in. Mr. Austin. Our tanks are designed with a funnel-shaped bottom

and a pipe leading from the back of the car. Mr. Vanderslice. If you are not going to buy for checking purposes, would you buy into the same tank?

Mr. Austin. No; we use a different tank for the fuel supply.

But the original tank is the one used in the check purchases. We

use several different makes of cars, and the tanks are in the original

place but they are redesigned for this special purpose by pulling

out the ends and putting in a false bottom so that it all drains to one point.

Mr. Vanderslice. I do not think that would go in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Austin. Well, it goes all right in my city.

Mr. Schwartz. I want to say, Mr. Chairman, for Mr. Vanderslice's information, that we use Pennsylvania tags when we make

check purchases in New Jersey.

THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OFFICIAL

DISCUSSION OF THE SCOPE AND PREPARATION OF THE REPORT

By H. S. jARKErrr, Commissioner of Weights and Measures, State of West

Virginia

Mr. Chairman and members of the conference, one can not help

but note the wonderful progress that is being made in weights and

measures administration throughout the various States. This is evidenced, of course, from the State reports and the excellent papers

that have been submitted to this conference. In this paper that I am submitting to you to-day I have embodied some ideas that I have had as to future progress in the work, and I trust you will

bear with me just a few minutes until I can dispose of this. The compilation of annual or biennial reports of State, county,

and municipal weights and measures officials composes an important

part of the work of every department. Those charged with the duty

of compiling these reports are required to delve into a mass of tabulated transactions of sealers and cull from the conglomeration of

figures that portion which in their opinion is not essential. Then

there is usually left a bare skeleton of the real information which

should be disseminated. The compilers of the report are required to familiarize themselves with a whole year's activities of the sealers

if they are arranging an annual report, and they naturally become

acquainted with every detail entering into the work of the field force. But what other person or persons have such information ? The individual officials know what has transpired during the period, yet when

the report is printed and distributed, have they submitted statistics
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 93

that will enlighten and interest the public and place the departments

in a position where they receive the recognition due them % When our reports are ready for submission to the proper authorities they are frequently in a form setting forth, principally in fig- ures, data showing so many scales or other equipment tested, adjusted, condemned for repairs, or confiscated, leaving the reader

without sufficient knowledge to pass favorable judgment on the work.

The question that confronts us is : " Have we been submitting adequately definite, intelligible, and convincing reports to justify impartial opinions that our departments should be given encouragement

through additional authority and enlarged appropriations to effec- tively carry on the work ? " It is not my purpose in this paper to constitute myself a board of

censors or endeavor to pass judgment on those invested with the

responsibility of preparing and submitting reports. I am guilty

of the general practice of indiscriminately and hastily collecting and

assembling a lot of figures and calling it an official report, when in

fact I must admit it has a very slight semblance of being what a comprehensive document should be. Year after year we hear re- ports that legislatures or other tribunals decline to increase appropriations or else curtail the appropriations made in previous years. What is the reason for their action? Every weights and measures department is conscientiously doing effective work in an efficient manner. They are saving to the purchasing public thousands of

dollars and at the same time protecting the honest merchant in his

daily transactions. We have not failed in our duty as conservators

of honest weights and measures, but we have been derelict in letting

the public know what is actually transpiring within the departments.

Far be it from me to shout our virtues and withhold our deficiencies,

but we have been prone to enlarge upon numbers and neglect atten- tion to more distinctive features.

While our reports may be sought by those directly interested in

weights and measures, I contend that others should manifest a desire

to acquaint themselves with our work. I am positive that if our re- ports were made more informative, more attractive, and more useful

for reference, we would then gain prestige and advance with greater

strides in the future than in the past. It is my candid opinion that our reports can be made so impressive they will leave within the

minds of the reader a more wholesome and popular conception of the

duties and responsibilities of a weights and measures official. To

this end it is my desire to offer a few suggestions rather than continue pointing out our imperfections and discrepancies.

Our reports are incomplete in the first instance from the fact that we fail to analyze the data presented. For instance, we prepare, and

find it no small task, a number of tables with the idea of setting

forth just what the various sealers have found in testing scales and

other devices. The daily reports of inspectors sent to the central

office of the department are of such a nature that the chief may grasp

in an instant the problems and difficulties confronting the sealer. If the sealer is seeking advice, that advice is readily given and the

correspondence ends. When the annual report is prepared it dis- closes just another scale condemned for repairs, yet many letters and

expressions of opinion may have passed between the officials.
94 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

I fully realize that it would be impracticable to analyze each transaction, but it would serve a beneficial end if 10 or 12 special occur- rences were to be picked at random and analysis made for publication in the report. Such analysis would serve a twofold purpose. A

digest of each case selected for comment would acquaint the public

with situations where they would become observers at every weighing

and measuring transaction in which they are involved. The public

would be sold on the effectiveness of our work and the necessity for

extension of our activities. Then, again, the report would serve as an instructive document in the hands of officials. They would know

how certain problems were solved in a sister State and would be

afforded aid in solving problems arising in their own State. We

will have accomplished great results if we can create a closer rela- tion between the public and the official. It is my contention that numerical results should also be expressed

in percentages and these results carried over for a certain number of

years, that all may determine at a glance what progress, if any, is being made. A general scheme of arrangement or analysis from year

to year would facilitate the work of having to delve into former

reports to find what has been accomplished in the past years. The

tabular forms would condense these data, yet present just the information we are compelled to seek when presenting our claims of advancement. All such items should be reported on concisely but fully,

and all special activities made a part of the report. Future plans

should be outlined briefly to include recommendations for amendments to present laws, increased operating funds necessary, new

equipment essential for expansion, and other requirements peculiar

to each department, setting forth explicitly why these recommendations should be favorably considered.

The frequent use of cuts with descriptive matter adds untold interest to any report. Their use would serve to far greater advantage

than pages of technical analysis that leave the reader unenlightened.

Example is the school of mankind and many will learn at no other.

Example preaches to the eye and often leaves a deeper impress than

volumes of counsel addressed to the ear. A lesson once thoroughly

comprehended is indelible.

An inventory of our equipment should be included in the report to show the vast amount and varied articles necessary for use in our

work.

Exceptional violations where court action has been found necessary

could be so given in detail as to strengthen confidence in our veracity

and confirmation in our exercise of authority.

Judicial opinions affecting some phase of our regulations, and

amendments to statutes, should be given following the rendering of

these decisions or legislative enactments. A resume of the more important topics considered at conferences

should be briefly summarized.

I do not feel it would be amiss to create in this conference a committee, to be known as a committee on the compilation of State

reports, whose duty it would be to work out a model form to be

followed, if we so desire. I am sure we can enlist the services and

advice of the Bureau of Standards on this question and I am certain

the officials of the bureau would give to us the benefit of their experi-
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 95

ence, together with suggestions and counsel in this matter the same

as they have in so many other problems in which we have sought

their guidance.

Usually our reports are compiled at the end of the fiscal year when

we have used up almost all of our appropriation and as we are compelled to keep within the specified allotment, we are required to reduce the material to a minimum. It would be well to estimate

early in the year when appropriations become available just what

will be required for our report and then govern ourselves accordingly.

The better the reports of our work, the more emphasis will then be

placed on our needs, but if we continue to present unintelligible

reports and conclude by urging that our recommendations be carried

out, we have not convinced anyone of the necessity for the appropriations which we have recommended.

I feel our reports can be made to serve as a message, presenting our activities so forcibly that we will not have to stress our needs

but those needs will be readily recognized. I feel positive that if we attach greater importance to the preparing of these reports the

confidence of the public will be retained and we shall receive grateful

acknowledgment as a reward for our efforts. GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION OF DATA

By Heney D. Hubbard, Bureau of Standards

This century has seen an astonishing rise in the use of graphic

methods. These translate into vivid diagrams the statistics which

would otherwise be difficult to analyze and compare.

Weights and measures officials may well adopt methods so successful in other fields, notably in science where the use of graphs

is universal. The clearness, force, and interest which graphs introduce improve the presentation of data and enliven the dull and neglected columns of Arabic numerals which we call statistics. Without effort graphs give the eye and mind an instant grasp of

magnitudes and their relations. Comparisons of quantities and

numbers become automatic. Graphs speak the language of pure

quantity. They may show the rise and fall of activities, their

maxima and minima, and their averages. They are self-interpreting.

In brief, the mind can begin its study of the data where such illu- minating diagrams leave off, at a point far in advance of mere

tabulation. I have prepared a special series of graphs of interest to weights

and measures officials. The literature of graphical methods is becoming very rich, and numerous books and articles can be commended

for study of scope and method. In this talk, however, I shall sharply

limit myself to a few types of graphs which might be useful in

weights and measures records and reports.

Figure 1 shows for every year since 1915 the percentage of rail- road track scales tested and found within tolerance. The time scale runs from left to right by years, the percentage scale runs from

to 100 upward at the left edge, and the resulting history curve

gives a vivid impression of the advance in the accuracy of railroad

track scales during the past 14 years. A second kind of graph (fig. 2) might be called a " percentage

analysis graph," Five varieties of weights and measures are studied.
96 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS

100

90 ^80

«y 70 K 60

50 ^40

J*1 §30

»m 20

Uj 10 /

1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 192$ 1924 FISCAL YEARS

Figure 1.

1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 History graph, showing for track scales tested, the percentages

found within tolerance by years 1915-1920 m Scales S3

Weights 92.7 Capacity measuring devices 96

A u torn atic measurin g de vie es 81 Linear measures 60

Totah 68

-adjusted g| -non-sectfed Wfccondernned % - Sealed

Figure 2.Percentage analysis graph, showing for each of five kinds of measuring devices the percentages, respectively, sealed, condemned,

adjusted, and nonsealed
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 97

The white portion of each bar is proportionate to " sealed " devices

;

the black part shows the percentage condemned, the part shaded with

sloping lines shows the percentage adjusted, and the part shaded

with horizontal lines shows the percentage nonsealed. The full bars,

all of the same total length, represent 100 per cent and are subdivided

to show the proportions of the components, as indicated by the key.

A comparison with the grand total percentages can readily be made

by the eye. May I suggest the extremely useful purpose which percentages serve ? The mere numerical totals may vary from place to place quite arbitrarily. The percentage analysis is, however, an

important means of studying how well the sealer's work has been

done or how well the trades meet the legal requirements as to weights

and measures. Numbers alone are purely quantitative. The per- centage analysis, however, is interpretive and useful in diagnosis of

status and trend.

The percentage analysis is so important that I will show another

type of graph (fig. 3) which has certain advantages over the preceding. Here is a percentage analysis in which the percentage of

each component begins at the same zero, the vertical line at the left. This permits a direct comparison of each percentage with all others

and with the grand total at the foot of the graph.

The fourth (fig. 4) is an organization graph of a typical weights

and measures office of a large city. Vertical lines show subordination and horizontal or oblique lines show collaboration. The lines

of authority are definite, even if actually complex. The units of

the organization and their interrelations are shown graphically with

a clearness which verbal description can not approach.

The next two graphs are of administrative interest, and show in- spections by months or seasons. In the first (fig. 5) the monthly

totals are plotted as points to scale above the zero line. The horizontal reference line at a height representing the monthly average,

permits instant comparison of the monthly totals with this average. Note that March, May, August, and December are average

months, April and October are peaks, and the minimum is in June.

Seasonal and monthly deviations from the average are clearly shown

by heavy vertical lines. The same data are shown in Figure 6 by a circle graph, well

adapted to portraying cycles. Each of the 12 radii represents a month. Along these the number of inspections is plotted as a dis- tance from the center of the circle. Note that the circumference

of the circle itself represents the monthly average. January, February, June, and July are, obviously, less than the average, and the

peak months stand out sharply beyond the average. Also see how

vividly the black parts show monthly totals below or over the

average.

In our next graph a total is analyzed into its component parts.

A sealer may inspect 100 weights and measures, approve 70, reject

20, and condemn 10. These four facts are readily shown by the

graph. (Fig. 7.) A circle divided into sectors shows subtotals both

by percentage and by numbers, and shows the grand total in like manner as the sum of the subtotals. The areas of the circles repre- 24342°—31 8
98 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Percent Coal

loads

so

i_ so roo%

71 %

^^^^^^42

REWEIQHINOSR.E MEASUREMENTS

Over 1 I CorrectUnder

Cotton ybales Packages misc. total

100%

43 %

Figure 3.

Percentage analysis graph in which each component is plotted

from a common zero to represent a percentage of each aggregate

N^onal^Bureau

[ Food Inspector

|

I Board o/ Health

State Superintendent

of Weights ^-Measures

i

i WLIGHTS ^MEASURES. . —

City Sealer

1— j

City Council The Mayor

Pi strict Attorney

Supervisory

Activities

Inspector

Figure 4.

Organization graph showing the organization units and per- sonnel and thew interrelations
TWENTY-THIKD CONFERENCE ON" WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 99

10000

8000

6000-

4000

2000

IT"

Aprti October

A

Ju ne

10000

aooo Monthly

Average

4000

2000

JaFMr Ap My Je Jl Ag 5 O M D

Figure 5.

History graph and reference average level showing comparison

of monthly totals of inspection and deviations from the average

Figure 6.

History graph and reference average circle showing

hy " cycle graph " the monthly totals of inspections and deviations from the. average
100 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

sent grand totals. Conceivably, the grand totals may vary without

change of percentage composition, since the angles of the sectors indicate the percentages, the entire circumference representing 100

per cent (1 per cent=3.6° of arc).

Figure 8 shows both numerical and percentage analysis of trackscale tests made by the National Bureau of Standards in 1929,

respectively, for the West, South, and East, and for the entire

country. In each test a scale has " passed," or has failed by giving

either " excess " or " deficient " indication of the weight of the test standards. This is a convenient and useful combination of percentage and numerical analysis where a study is to be made. The

analyzed total for the United States is shown at the top, the units

for the East, West, and South being placed as they would appear on

a map, respectively, in the eastern, western, and southern parts of the

United States. A very useful but unusual type of diagram is the equilateral

triangle graph. (Fig. 9.) Each corner of the triangle represents

100 per cent of one of the three components. The points along one

edge portray all possible proportions of two components, the midpoint representing a 50 : 50 2rcomponent aggregate. Within the

triangle the points represent all possible proportions of the three

components of an aggregate. Here each point portrays three components of a total; for example, the center point represents three

components in proportion 33i/

3 per cent each.

Each point is located by plotting its three elements in turn toward

the respective angles A, R, and O, from the opposite edge as a base. The 100 per cent interval from the base to the angle opposite is divided into 10 steps of 10 per cent each.

A single point near the apex represents 80, 10, 10, respectively, and

might signify, for instance, that 80 per cent of the weights and

measures were approved, 10 rejected, and 10 condemned. The history

of such a fact can be plotted on the same graph by a single point

each year, the series of annual points showing the history of the

three component proportions. The advantages of recording status and trend so vividly, comprehensively, and simply are obvious.

Another and most interesting type of graph, known as the " dis- tribution graph," is shown in Figure 10. Here is an analysis of

gasoline deliveries from various types of liquid-measuring devices,

according to rate of delivery and jurisdictions where the data were

secured. The grand total for each delivery rate is the height of the

black column and is given numerically below the graph. The sections

of each column are numbered to indicate the jurisdiction, each numbered section having a length proportionate to the deliveries in the

jurisdiction concerned. It is seen that there are no deliveries at 1 gallon per minute, nor at 18 gallons per minute, and that the maximum number of deliveries is at 10 gallons. The figure as a whole

shows a fairly symmetrical distribution of deliveries and would be

well worth studying as to detail. This graph was used with more detail by your secretary, Mr. Holbrook, in presenting to the conference the results of a survey of gasoline-measuring devices made by various officials, and presents a most

useful method of analyzing results for detailed study. Note how

easy it is to ascertain and visualize the effect of any proposal to limit
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 101

Figure 7.Percentage analysis circle graph, showing the percentages, respectively, of approved, rejected, or condemned apparatus

Note.—In a circle graph, the area of the circle represents the grand total of units considered in the analysis. Thus, in the graphs above, the upper circle represents a

total much larger than either of the lower circles ; the small circles, being of equal

area, represent equal totals. A given angle represents the same percentage, whatever the area of the circle. Thus, considering the upper and lower left circle, the percentages shown are the same, although the number of units comprising these per- centages are much larger in the case of the upper circle. The two lower graphs illustrate an analysis of conditions before and after an effective campaign of active inspection ; the

total number of pieces of apparatus examined (as shown by the areas of the circles) is the same in each case, but a decided improvement in conditions is strikingly brought out by the larger angle indicating " approved " apparatus and the reduced angles indicating

" rejected " and " condemned " apparatus.

WEST,*

z Result %

Excess 2 | Passed

Deficient IS Total

South

#J Result to

j Excess m

SB Passed

J

Deficient m

QSl Total Figure 8.

Numerical and percentage analysis of track-scale tests, slwion separately for the eastern, western, and southern sections of the United

States and for the entire country
102 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

deliveries within certain definite maximal and minimal rates of de

livery. The number of deliveries affected by any such limitation is quite readily seen from the graph.

The graphic language is modern. We are learning its alphabet.

Graphs depict magnitude to the eye. They do more—they compel

the seeing of relations. Stripped of needless words, reduced to diFiguee 9.

Triangular percentage analysis graph, each interior point representing the percentages of three components of a 100 per cent aggregate

mensions, a language of quantity, vivid and unescapable. By graphs we can portray whole masses of intricate routine or the organization

of an enterprise. The profile of a curve reveals in a flash the whole

situation. Graphs furnish unrivaled means to record data and to

tell facts. Combined with the essential numerical data which may

be added to the graph, the story is complete. As weights and measures officials, we may profitably add graphic methods for recording

or reporting our results, in view of the phenomenal success of such

methods in other fields.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 103

e fill J

rB si515

14

DELIVERIES OF GASOLINE

showing distribution by

rates ofdelivery per minute

/or various jurisdictions:

I.N.J.; Z.Chicacfo-, 3,,Spring-.

f ield, M ass.; 4, Massachusetts;

5, Los Angeles; 6, Philadelphia;

T,Wasbington,D.C,> ^8,Ohio.

5

i

2 liL. 3 4,5 6 7 a 910 II 12" 13 14 15 16 17 IB Id 20 21 ^arg cj/ delivery jn gallons per minute

fifurnber of deliveries at each of above rates 113 4 8 12 47 46 82 120 60 59 33 28 27 20.10 6 £ 6 Figure 10.

Distribution analysis graph, showing for each rate of delivery

{gallons per minute) of gasoline, the total number of deliveries in all and for each jurisdiction
104 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS

DEMONSTRATION OF GASOLINE METERS BY MANUFACTURERS

The Acting Chairman. It is now time for the demonstration of

gasoline meters by manufacturers. I will request each demonstrator

to confine himself to a period not in excess of 15 minutes, of which

a matter of 5 minutes may be devoted to the answering of queries.

There are a number of presentations to be made, and these demonstrations will extend into the afternoon session. At this time we

might determine the order in which the manufacturers will be heard

and continue with the number until the time for the luncheon adjournment arrives.

Mr. Holbrook. Inasmuch as the order of presentation may be a matter of importance, I have written out the names of the manufacturers who will exhibit on these slips; I will shuffle them and

Major Meredith will draw them at random. If he will read the

names, I will write them on the blackboard, and everyone will then

know

*******

the order in which the manufacturers will exhibit.

Seceetaey's Note.—At this point, and continuing immediately after the luncheon recess, the manufacturers brought before the conference samples

of their meters, so disassembled that they were enabled to explain and

demonstrate them to those in attendance. Particular attention was given

to the manner in which the product functioned, the method of manipulation

of the adjustments provided, and the answering of questions asked by members. While a stenographic record of the remarks was made, it was later found that it was practically impossible to follow this transcript intelligently

when the meters were not before the reader. Therefore no good purpose would

be subserved in printing this material here, and it has, consequently, been

omitted. It may be said in passing that this number was of great interest and

value to those in attendance and that the formal appreciation of the confer- ence was later expressed to the manufacturers taking part. (See resolution of the conference on this subject, p. 145.) (During the number described above, at 1 o'clock p. m., the con- ference took a recess until 2 o'clock p. m.)
SIXTH SESSION (AFTERNOON OF THURSDAY,

JUNE 5, 1930)

The conference reassembled at 2.18 o'clock p. m., Howard S. Jarrett, second vice president, in the chair.

DEMONSTRATION OF GASOLINE METERS BY MANUFACTURERS

Continued

These demonstrations were continued until 2.50 o'clock p. m., at which time the list of manufacturers participating was complete.

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE NUMBER

The Acting Chairman. The conference feels very grateful for the

demonstrations you have given us. The meters will be here on display, and any time anyone desires to examine them and have them further explained I am sure the representatives of the meter manufacturers will be glad to explain them

to you.

Sir. Foster. Mr. Chairman, if I may be permitted, I would like to

call the attention of the manufacturers' representatives who are here

to-day to something that we are all aware of. I have noticed that

several of these meters are equipped with a bell. From my standpoint and as a result of my observation I wish the bell was not incorporated in either the piston-type or the meter-type pump. I say this

because I believe the operator is unduly influenced by the bell. For

example, on the piston pump we have had very much difficulty in

that the operators stop when the bell rings. There is a very important difference between that condition and where the bell continues

to ring until the indicator has dropped to zero. We have had a considerable number of complaints on that. I would like to see the

meter manufacturers get together and dispense with frills which in

my opinion are absolutely unnecessary.

AIR RELEASES ON POWER-OPERATED GASOLINE-DISPENSING

UNITS

By A. W. Schwartz, Assistant Superintendent, Department of Weights and

Measures, State of New Jersey

Mr. President, members of the conference, and guests, it is a wellrecognized fact that gasoline is a commodity of value, and it is therefore essential that it be sold through an accurate measuring device.

To place in the field a gasoline dispenser that would meet this

requirement and also stand up to the specifications and tolerances as promulgated by the National Conference on Weights and Measures

has been the aim of the manufacturers of the various devices now

upon the market, and their engineers have given much time and

study toward the development of apparatus to meet this demand.

105
106 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

From the early types of piston and visible pumps great strides

have been made in the progress of the industry, so that to-day meter

systems are displacing the old-style method of dispensing gasoline. It is being daily demonstrated that the meter type of apparatus is In making sales of gasoline at a supply or service station it is not

only desirable but essential to expedite the delivery, and it is therefore an advantage to the trade to have a suitable supply pressure as well as to operate the device at its maximum delivery on all occasions. To this end have been devised various types of power-driven

meters. The flow meter was the first in the field. Within the past year

there has been a trend toward displacement or volumetric metering

pumps. This started first with one, and now most of the leading

pump manufacturers have a device of this type on the market or in

the experimental stage.

While this type of pump has many advantages over the old

" blind " pmnp, with its lealry foot valves and worn suction leathers,

the " visible " pumps, with their 2-way valves and remote control on

the nozzle, and even over the " flow " meter pump, whose accuracy is dependent upon by-passing a certain amount of liquid to make up

deficiencies that are caused by the inability of a flow meter to regis- ter 100 per cent of the delivery, it has an inherent weakness that is present in all pump devices, and that is the inability to pass off air

in the line and measure only gasoline. A measuring chamber will

record as full capacity of fluid, whether there is no gasoline in it or whether the gasoline contains large quantities of air. The latest step in the progress toward 100 per cent accuracy is the

air-release device. This apparatus has appeared on the market

within the last year. A pump with an " air regulator," an " air

release," or whatever a manufacturer desires to call it, will extract the air and insure that only fluid enters the measuring chamber. It

is claimed that the device thus removed the last weakness in the

performance of meter pumps, and that the purchasing public is sure of a full quantity of gasoline being delivered to the car. There are a number of reasons why air enters the gasoline line

between the underground tank and the meter: Leaking lines, loose

connections, air pockets, excessive lift, mechanical leaks, leaky foot

valves and line valves, low level of liquid in the storage tanks, or an empty tank. It is well known to weights and measures men that

many of these faults are attributable to poor installation of the

pumping unit, due to the oil company letting out the installing of

the pumps to the lowest bidder, with the result that the most experienced mechanics are not employed on the job. Tanks are placed in

the ground rapidly with the fill shoveled in hastily ; rain will settle the dirt and cause pipe lines to shift, straining the connection ; rain

may settle the dirt under the pump pedestal, causing it to go out of

plumb; carelessly connected pump lines with too little litharge at the threads may spring a leak under pressure. When a pump is operated at night the operator at the nozzle may be unaware of the

fact that his gas level has dropped too low or that the tank may

even have gone dry. All of these factors make it possible for the

automobilist, the man who pays for a certain amount of gasoline, to
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 107

be defrauded, intentionally or unintentionally, by the station attendant. The fact remains that he often pays for more gasoline than he

receives, whether the short measure is premeditated or is accidental.

It has been contended by some that the installation of the air

release or regulator on the gas line before it reaches the meter will

eliminate this short measure. From blue prints and diagrams the

innovation appears to have solved the problem, but in practice the

device is too new on the market to really prove that it is the panacea

for the inherent ills that beset the pump.

You all know that the visigauge, the " see-glass," or whatever you

may call it, has done much to take the mystery from the delivery of

gasoline through the pump to the fuel tank on the automobile.

Whether you are sure of getting what you ask for, the visigauge

gives you a glimpse of the commodity in motion between tank and

car. Since the visigauge is at the highest point on the line, it reveals to the operator and the observant driver when air is in the

line. Bubbles are seen drifting through the agitated fluid, which

is an indication of air, and that a resultant short measure is being

delivered. A visigauge will reveal any air bubbles that enter the

gas supply line through any of the causes I have enumerated above,

but this is only shown after the fluid has been measured.

The testing of a pump by weights and measures officials may reveal a shortage that is greater than the tolerance allowed, and this shortage may be due to air in the line being measured and metered. This

would cause the vigilant official to condemn the pump for adjustment, but since most States require only an annual test of each device,

the pump may be wrong for a lengthy period without discovery.

An air-release device would act as a constant guard against air

mixing with gasoline and being measured as such.

Naturally the device has its drawbacks. It protects the customer,

but it does nothing for the dealer, who may be losing thousands of

gallons of gasoline through underground leakages that will not show

above the surface of the earth. Not only would this amount to a considerable sum of money over a period of a year, but it would also create a fire hazard that could cause serious loss of life and property

should the impregnated ground ignite and explosion occur. The question of air in connection with gasoline dispensers has

always been an important factor for serious consideration since the

days of the first gasoline outfits, and it is submitted to you by the

State department of weights and measures of New Jersey that in the

power-driven types of metering equipment it is possible to provide

practical and dependable means for eliminating this undesirable

factor. The subject of air-release devices is one on which the State department of weights and measures of New Jersey has an open mind,

and it is felt that it should not be accepted as a cure-all for short measure of gasoline, simply because it is an innovation. It has

merits that seem worthy of our consideration, it has strong points

that should make us look with favor upon its adoption, but not, however, before the device has been through the proving ground of practical use under all climatic and mechanical conditions.

Mr. Meredith. Mr. Chairman, the program indicates that the

next number is a paper prepared by myself. As a matter of fact,
108 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

this paper is rather a composite composition of the inspectors of

my division, men who are practical in every sense of the word and

have gained their knowledge and experience in actual contact with

devices and conditions which they meet and have to deal with in

their work.

TESTING VEHICLE-TANK METERS

By Massachusetts Inspectoks of Standards'

While this paper is intended to deal specifically with meters in- stalled upon vehicle tanks, much of the subject matter will be found

applicable to all delivery systems in which a meter is used as the

measuring element in connection with a power-driven pumping unit.

Experience teaches that a meter will record air or vapor as readily

as it indicates the volume of liquid which passes through it. It is therefore important that the pipe lines, valves, stuffing box, and con- nections be air-tight. The suction incident to the pumping process

is sufficient to draw a considerable quantity of air through a leak

so small that little, if any, gasoline can seep through it. It is also essential that the opportunity for air pockets be reduced

to a minimum by eliminating all unnecessary elbows, angles, or bends

in the pipe lines. Where an air pocket exists in the line, the en- trapped air expands and contracts alternately as the pump is operated or stopped. As this contraction occurs it causes a suction suffi- cient to draw air into the line at any point where even the slightest

opportunity for leakage exists. Especially where a power pump is used, the pumping process

causes the liquid to " break." In other words, it destroys the cohesion of the liquid particles and introduces bubbles of air or vapor

which, unless eliminated, will have their volume recorded as they pass

through the meter with the liquid.

In delivery from a vehicle tank, a centrifugal motion is set up as the liquid lowers in the tank, forming a miniature whirlpool in line with the suction pipe. The bottom of this whirlpool is constantly

lower than the level of the liquid and eventually becomes lower than

the end of the suction pipe so that a considerable quantity of air

may be carried along with the liquid.

Gasoline also invariably contains more or less dissolved air which

has been introduced by exposure to the atmosphere, or by the pres- sure of air in a closed container, the amount depending upon the

volatility of the gasoline and the conditions under which it is stored.

As outlined at the Twenty-second National Conference by Dr. Oscar

C. Bridgeman, experimental work at the Bureau of Standards showed

that a highly volatile aviation gasoline will dissolve about one- fourth of its own volume of air, while the ordinary motor gasoline

will dissolve about one-sixth of its volume when both are put under an air pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch.

Having shown the various conditions under which gasoline and,

to a lesser extent, other fuel oils may become impregnated with air,

the next step is to determine the possible effect of this air upon the

accuracy of the meter or other measuring device which indicates the

purported volume of liquid discharged.

6 This paper -was presented to the conference by Francis Meredith, director of standards, State of Massachusetts.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 109

In discharging gasoline or fuel oil from a vehicle tank, through a meter supplied by a power pumping unit, the presence and registration of considerable quantities of air were self-evident. It then be- came a question as to the extent to which this might also be true when such meters were supplied by gravity flow. To determine this

point, a measured quantity of 100 gallons of gasoline was placed in a truck tank having a float control valve installed in the line between

the tank and the meter and designed to close as the last of the liquid

left the tank and thus exclude air carried along by suction as the

tank emptied. Upon this test the meter accurately registered the

quantity of liquid discharged,

A similar test made with the same quantity of gasoline, after dis- connecting the bleeder pipe from the float-control valve and ren- dering the latter inoperative by jacking up the valve lift spring,

showed an overregistration of approximately 2.7 gallons caused by

the registration of air. Tests of a meter, where a motor-driven pumping unit was used in

connection with a vehicle-tank installation, showed excessive and

widely varying errors at different times, although an " air separator " was installed between the pump and the meter. The first of

these tests, made early in March, involved a 2-compartnient tank, the

compartments having been calibrated as containing 504 and 503 gallons, respectively. The 504-gallon compartment was filled to capacity

with gasoline, which was then pumped through the meter into the

second compartment at a constant rate of 47 gallons per minute.

The meter showed a purported discharge of 518% gallons, an overregistration of 14% gallons. The operation was then reversed by

pumping the liquid back to the first compartment, the meter upon

this test showing an overregistration of 54% gallons.

Early in August a meter of the same type was tested under what

might be termed " ideal conditions." An improved type of air separator was used, and the test was made by a representative of the

meter manufacturer. The meter was installed on an underslung

platform near the cab on the right-hand side of a 2-compartment

tank truck. The pumping unit was located on opposite side of truck

and was operated by means of the truck motor. A relief valve was

installed close to pumping unit. Between the pump and the meter a hand-controlled valve, a strainer, and an air separator were installed in the order named. Between meter and outlet a backpressure relief valve helped to preserve a normal pressure. Pipe

lines and joints were air-tight, and there was no opportunity for air

pockets.

A measured quantity of 502% gallons of gasoline was placed in one of the tank compartments and then pumped into the empty compartment, the rate of flow being 48 gallons per minute. Upon this

test the meter indicated discharge of 502 gallons, an error of only

one-half gallon. While the results of this test showed a wonderful

degree of accuracy, they were not indicative of what might be found

under average conditions of installation and distribution, so a series

of tests was subsequently made in order to determine the effect upon

the accuracy of meter indications when air or vapor was present in

appreciable quantities.
110 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Within the next week another test of the same meter was made,

furnace oil being used as the testing medium. A compartment con- taining 502% gallons was emptied through the meter, the shut-off

valve of the adjoining empty compartment being open, and the pumping operation being accelerated as much as possible by gradually

advancing the hand throttle of the motor. This acceleration apparently had little effect upon the rate of flow, which ranged from 50

gallons per minute at the start to 47 gallons per minute when 300

gallons had been discharged, and thereafter gradually diminished as the supply decreased. It did, however, materially increase the surging and consequent breaking up of the liquid. At the completion

of delivery the meter reading showed an apparent discharge of 605

gallons, an overregistration of 102.5 gallons.

Early in October, additional tests of this identical equipment were

made, some adjustments having been made in the meantime by a member of the engineering department of the meter manufacturer.

During these tests the shut-off valve of the empty compartment was

left open as before. The 502%-gallon compartment was filled and

contents metered through 2-inch hose to compartment of another

truck tank, the rate of flow being purposely varied during the test. The rate for the first 150 gallons was 36 gallons per minute, for the

next 70 gallons, 44 gallons per minute; for the next 100 gallons, 33

gallons per minute; and for the remainder, 36 gallons per minute.

Upon this test the meter showed an overregistration of 7 gallons.

The 502%-gallon compartment was refilled and contents metered to another tank, the motor being gradually accelerated during operation.

The rate of flow for the first 120 gallons being 54 gallons per minute,

for the next 100 gallons, 42 gallons per minute ; for the next 60 gallons, 40 gallons per minute ; for the next 125 gallons, 32 gallons per

minute, the rate thereafter not being determined. The meter showed

an overregistration of 15 gallons at the conclusion of this test. In the foregoing tests the acceleration of the motor and the opening

of the valves in the empty compartments were designed to produce

conditions under which the efficiency of the meter and the air sepa- rator could be determined with a maximum amount of air to be eliminated. It appearing quite possible, however, that similar conditions

may sometimes be found in everyday practice, a further series of

tests was made in November, with an expert service man present to observe results and determine what changes or adjustments might

tend to eliminate erroneous registration or reduce errors to a minimum. A known quantity of 769 gallons of furnace oil was metered

from a tank compartment into an underground tank, with motor

accelerated and valve of empty compartment open, the meter showing an overregistration of 26.9 gallons. The expert then made adjustments of the back pressure and pump-relief valves, the compartment was refilled and test repeated, the overregistration being reduced to

16.6 gallons on this test. A further adjustment of the relief valve

only was then made and the test again repeated, the overregistration

being reduced to 8.9 gallons. The rate of flow at beginning of first test was 45 gallons per minute. After the first adjustments were made the effect was shown in a reduction of the flow to 43 gallons

per minute and after the final adjustment it was 42 gallons per

minute.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 111

The method of testing, by means of the standard test measures

ordinarily employed by weights and measures officials in testing retail metering systems is of little value when applied to a meter used in

delivering wholesale quantities from a truck tank. In the latter case the test should include metering from the tank compartment of a

considerable predetermined volume of liquid, preferably the full capacity of the compartment. In testing, the following precautions

should be observed:

1. See that the compartment to be employed and the pipe line

leading therefrom are completely emptied, starting the pump if necessary to insure this empty condition.

2. See that outlet valves are tightly closed ; then place a measured

volume of liquid in the compartment (not less than 100 gallons in any

case).

3. Having taken the meter reading, open the outlet valve of the

compartment and start pumping operation, discharging liquid at normal rate of flow through hose, preferably into an empty compartment of the same truck, so as to facilitate a retest with an expenditure

of the least amount of extra time and labor. The fill opening at the

top of the compartment being uncovered during test, it is easy to observe whether there is an undue agitation causing a breaking of the

liquid during the pumping process. There should also be a careful

inspection of the entire discharge line in search of possible leaky

joints or opportunities for air pockets in the line, as such conditions,

if found, may account for errors observed when final meter reading

is made upon completion of delivery. The rate of flow should also

be determined from time to time, as the test proceeds, and compared

with the rates prescribed by the manufacturer for the particular type

of meter under test.

4. When a meter is installed upon a gravity flow line, without

auxiliary pumping unit, a test similar to that described above should

be employed with necessary variations because of the fact that

liquid must be discharged into a container placed at a lower level in order that the law of gravity may operate.

5. When meter readings are found to be correct within tolerance,

seals should be employed at all points where adjustments are possible

which might affect the meter registration.

(At this point Mr. Meredith, first vice president, assumed the chair,

succeeding Mr. Jarrett, second vice president.)

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

Mr. Kelly. Mr. Chairman, may I ask a question about that paper

that you have just presented. I would like to ask what, in your

opinion, is the value of testing a tank wagon by means of a meter

as compared with a test using a calibrated tank? Which do you

consider the more accurate ? The Acting Chairman. I think a test with the calibrated tank

would be preferable. We are inclined to work toward that.
112 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

CALIBRATING VEHICLE-TANK COMPARTMENTS BY LIQUID

METERS

By H. N. Davis, Deputy Commissioner of Weights and Measures, State of Vermont Mr. Chairman and delegates, doubtless many of you who are

officials of weight and measure departments have been asked why

vehicle tanks, used as measures for the delivery of petroleum products, were not calibrated to determine their correctness the same as other containers used as measures. It was because this question was

so frequently propounded and the demand so insistent that the

weights and measures department of Vermont was sponsor of a bill before the legislature of 1929, designed to make it compulsory for

the distributors of fuel oil and gasoline to equip their vehicle tanks

with meters to determine the amount delivered to each individual

customer ; the delivery was to be paid for on the basis of the meter

reading. This bill was opposed very strenuously by the oil distributors, and a substitute bill was reported out from the ways and means

committee requiring distributors of petroleum products to have all tank vehicles used by them calibrated under the supervision of the

weights and measures department. This bill was passed and became

a law.

A letter in the form of a questionnaire was sent out by our department to each distributor of gas and oil, requiring him to give us information as to the number of vehicle tanks operated in Vermont,

the number of compartments in each tank, the truck number, and

the State license number of each truck. Specifications and toler- ances which apply to vehicle tanks and accessory piping and valves,

whenever the tanks or compartments were used as measures, were

also sent out. These specifications required an adjustable indicator

in the fill opening, which could be sealed at a point which would

determine the correct gallonage as stenciled on the outside of the

dome of the compartment. Expansion space was allowed for change

in volume occasioned by temperature. After experimenting with a 50-gallon measure and bucketing out in 5-gallon test measures we

decided on a meter system of calibration, and a meter was purchased

for that purpose.

Our method of calibration has been by gravity, using gasoline

from the overhead storage tanks of the distributor. The work was

done during the winter months when the temperature would not

affect the measurement as much as in the hot weather. Before

putting the l^-inch meter into service it was carefully checked

with a 50-gallon test measure. Also, 50 gallons of light oil was

run through the meter into a vehicle tank and bucketed out with

sealed 5-gallon test measures. The inaccuracies in these tests were

negligible. The meter was attached to the rear end of an auto- mobile and securely fastened in place, and it remained in this position while calibrating the vehicle tanks. A 10-foot length of 1

1{2- inch hose was attached to the discharge of the distributor's storage

tank by means of reducing couplings, to the intake of the meter. Another 10-foot hose was attached to the discharge side of the meter,

reaching to the compartment to be calibrated, The flow of the prod-
TWEXTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 113

uct through the meter was controlled by a quick-action nozzle valve

at the end of the hose on the discharge line of the meter. The nozzle was carried well down in the compartment. -Before starting the

test for verifying the capacity of the compartment, great care was

taken to expel anv air that might be in the hose line or meter.

Tests were made with a 5-gallon test measure before each compartment was calibrated. When great discrepancies between the dis- tributor's measurement and the meter were found, the contents of

the compartment were drawn off and the compartment rechecked.

Most of the distributors at first were skeptical about the use of the

meter for accurate measurement and had to be shown that it was

dependable and even more accurate than bucketing or pin gaging

the compartment. The meter was checked against vehicle tanks

coming from Massachusetts and New York which had been cali- brated, the filling points sealed, and capacities marked, and the

discrepancies, varying from 54 to 10 cubic inches in deficiency, were

surprisingly small. Several meters installed by distributors at their

storage plants, used to check their product from storage to vehicle

tanks and from tank cars to storage, were checked and the errors found were very small, except in one instance. We were very well

satisfied with our tests and received the cooperation of every distributor doing business in the State. We sometimes had to prove

our premise by bucketing out a compartment of water, but were

able to maintain our position. An officer of one of the large refining

companies came to witness the calibration of their tanks and ex- pressed entire satisfaction with results obtained with the meter. I

will give a few examples of the results of tests made.

Report of tank-truck inspections for — Oil Co., Burlington, Yt., December 11, 1929 Truck No. 7365: Front compartment, marked capacity, 408 is gallons; calibrated 408.9

gallons.

Rear compartment, marked capacity, 406% gallons ; calibrated, 406.6 gallons.

Truck No. 7881

:

Front compartment, marked capacity, 441% gallons ; calibrated, 441 gallons.

Rear compartment, marked capacity, 441 gallons; calibrated, 440.9 gallons.

Truck No. 8833: Front compartment, marked capacity, 444% gallons ; calibrated, 445 gallons.

Rear compartment, marked capacity, 44214 gallons ; calibrated, 443.6 gallons.

Truck No. SS61: Front compartment, marked capacity. 442% gallons; calibrated, 444.5

gallons.

Rear compartment, marked capacity, 439 gallons ; calibrated, 441.2 gallons.

Truck No. 7366: Front compartment, marked capacity, 408 gallons ; calibrated, 407.7 gallons. Rear compartment, marked capacity, 406 gallons; calibrated, 404.8 gallons.

Truck No. 7911

:

Front compartment, marked capacity, 438% gallons; calibrated, 440.8

gallons.

Rear compartment, marked capacity, 438% gallons; calibrated, 439.5 gallons.

Truck No. 7364: Front compartment, marked capacity, 408 gallons ; calibrated, 409.3 gallons.

Rear compartment, marked capacity, 406 gallons; calibrated, 408 gallons.

24342°—31 9
114 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Truck No. 7896: Front compartment, marked capacity, 4421

/£ gallons; calibrated, 442.8

gallons.

Rear compartment, marked capacity, 442 gallons ; calibrated, 441.5 gallons. Verified truck No. 8833, rear compartment, and truck No. 8861, front and

rear compartments.

Harby C. Moore, Inspector.

Report of tank-truck inspections of Coal d Fuel Co., Burlington, Tt., December 20, 1929 Truck No. 1

:

Compartment No. 1, marked capacity, 305 gallons; calibrated, 302 gallons.

Compartment No. 2, marked capacity, 204 gallons; calibrated, 202 gallons.

Compartment No. 3, marked capacity, 102 gallons; calibrated, 101 gallons.

The capacity as calibrated to points which were recently put in, and which

I advised them to fill to, is as follows

:

Compartment No. 1, 299 gallons.

Compartment No. 2, 199 gallons.

Compartment No. 3, 99 gallons.

Truck No. 2: Compartment No. 1, marked capacity, 313 gallons; calibrated, 302 gallons.

Compartment No. 2, marked capacity, 202 gallons; calibrated, 203 gallons.

The capacity as calibrated to points which were recently put in, and which

I advised them to fill to, is as follows

:

Compartment No. 1, 294 gallons.

Compartment No. 2, 196 gallons.

Harry C. Moore, Inspector.

One hundred sixty thousand nine hundred and thirty-nine gallons

of gasoline and light oil were run through the meter to calibrate

630 compartments, with only one adjustment of the meter. No differences were discovered in meter due to different heads of liquid. Tests will be made in summer with meter to ascertain differences due

to temperature effects. I am not so sure that any great benefit will be derived from this

work. The vehicle tank must be in nearly a level position at the

place of delivery, and atmospheric conditions must be about right, or the purchaser at the filling station will not be able to determine

accurately the amount delivered, by inspection of the sealed filling

point at the time of delivery. However, the public feel that their

interests have in a measure been safeguarded and that they will

benefit by our work.

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

Mr. Melidy. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask Mr. Davis from

Vermont a question. When you seal tank compartments, do you have

any trouble with seals broken on reinspection.

Mr. Daves. You see our work is of very recent origin so we have no

experience on that point.

Mr. Melidy. In Worcester when we have made a calibration we

seal an indicator in the top of the dome. We measure the exact

distance of that indicator from the top and write it in our description in the sealer's certificate of the truck. If we have a broken

seal, instead of making a retest we consult our records and reset the indicator in the dome. That method saves considerable time.

Mr. Davis. That is a very good suggestion and we appreciate it. That will save the necessity of rechecking it. Mr. Payne. One of our New York State sealers advises me that

he has a meter for calibrating gasoline vehicle tanks and that with
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 115

the meter one inspector can calibrate a 1,500-gallon tank with 4

or 5 compartments in about 2 hours. He does not hestitate to say that the meter is more accurate than the old method of drawing

it off in 5-gallon measures. Just last year 45 tank trucks were calibrated, and when several

changes were made in ownership the new firms all sent their tank

trucks to be calibrated again. In every case the meter was used and

the capacity of each compartment was found to be the same as for- merly. All of the tanks formerly calibrated with the 5-gallon measure were retested with the result that most compartments were found

to vary from 1 to 2 gallons. Considering time, labor, and accuracy,

the meter is preferred for that kind of work.

Mr. Foster. Mr. President, I would like to ask the gentleman

from Worcester how they fix the indicator at the filling point so that there is no question of its moving. How is that accomplished % Mr. Melidy. We have the indicator welded to the dome so that

there is no question about it. Mr. Sweeney. Mr. President, in sealing tank wagons in Boston we have devised a scheme of boring a hole through the indicator,

then we put a threaded screw through that with nuts on top and

bottom ; the screw is perforated and the pressure is against the disk,

and it is impossible to knock the seal off. We prefer that to hanging

the seal by a wire.

Mr. Melidy. Mr. President, I understand that all vehicle tanks

have an adjustable finger to raise up and down in the dome. If you

get this finger or indicator down into the compartment the chance

of error in filling is very much increased. In a 12-inch dome a quart will cause a drop of about one-half an inch.

When we have calibrated a tank we tack up in the cab the sealer's certificate giving the date of the test, the number of the tank, and

the amount which each compartment holds. The customer can ascer- tain from this the amounts being delivered.

A Manufacturer's Bepresentative. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I wish to suggest that the compartment is large and the dome

small, and if the indicator is not put down into the compartment,

in hot weather like to-day the expansion of the gasoline might cause

it to spill over the street and result in a fire hazard which, in the

last analysis, would be worse than taking a chance on short measure. The Acting Chairman. I quite agree with you; there should

always be an adequate expansion dome. Sometimes we notice that

the construction of the domes is not always in accord with that idea.

Sometimes I believe there are means provided whereby the opportunity is created to take care of expansion in a different fashion.

CALIBRATING VEHICLE TANKS BY LARGE-CAPACITY MEASURES

By S. T. Geiffith, Chief, Division of Weights and Measures, City of Baltimore, Md.

Mr. President, members of the conference, and visitors, before

beginning to describe the method used by the division of weights

and measures in Baltimore for calibrating vehicle tanks by largecapacity measures, may I invite your attention briefly to a phase

of the dispensing of petroleum products which during the past year
116 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

has arisen in Baltimore. It seems to fit in here with the discussion we have already had on the use of various meters. I refer to the sale of fuel oil on the basis of the readings of individual household meters. Some time ago, one of the nationally

known oil burner companies proposed to install in Baltimore their

oil-burner system in private residences, to which would be attached

a meter for the purpose of indicating the amount of fuel oil con- sumed, and it was their idea to charge the householder only for the

amount consumed, as indicated on said meter.

^ The plan apparently appealed to the public for the reason that

they were accustomed to pay for the gas and electricity consumed

in their homes by the monthly readings of meters. This company

felt that the psychological effect on the consumer would be such as to assure him of a more equitable plan of buying fuel oil; and if the oil meter was tested and approved by the proper municipal

authority, it would establish its accuracy and thus eliminate complaints and contentions pertaining to short measure, which now constantly arise at various times under the usual system of delivery of

fuel oil in bulk to the individual storage tanks.

This company applied to the division of weights and measures of

Baltimore for the testing and sealing of these meters for accuracy.

The meter offered for test was of a type widely used throughout the

United States for registration of water, but it was realized that to

test this meter for oil, it would require a different method from that

used for water purposes. We, therefore, requested the chief engineer

of Baltimore for permission to secure the necessary equipment, but

instead of accomplishing this, the matter was referred to the city law

department, who decided that this particular phase of measuring was

not contemplated under the statute which empowered our department

to test and seal all weighing and measuring instruments used in trade.

It was held that the installation of this meter in a private home did

not place it within the purview of public trade. Application was

then made by the oil-burner company to the public service commission, who in, our city have supervision over gas and electric meters,

but they declined to test these devices, probably because of lack of

universal use. Nevertheless, while all this correspondence was going

on, our office, anticipating that in the final outcome the division of

weights and measures might be called upon to make these tests and

inspections, proceeded to work out a method, and, with the assistance

of Mr. Smith, of the division of weights and measures of the Bureau

of Standards, worked out the following plan

:

It was intended to hook up these meters in series so as to test 20 or 30 of them simultaneously. The conditions of the test were to simulate, as nearly as possible, the exact conditions that would exist in the

individual household, and the tests, therefore, were to be made with

the actual fuel oil that was to be consumed. On the small storage

tank with a capacity of 77 gallons, a motor was to be attached to pump the oil through the meters arranged in series at the same speed

as maintained under actual operation in the home.

The oil would be pumped through one line of meters and returned

through the other line of meters into a measuring tank holding 65

gallons, and calibrated in gallons by means of a gage on the outside

of the tank. This gage would indicate the quantity passed through
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 117

the meters, by a float resting upon the surface of the oil within the

calibrated tank and operating in a groove up and down the gage on

the outside. The meters would be so mounted that any one of them

could be removed without disturbing the rest; and readings were

intended to be taken over a period of time extending through 24

hours.

The rack on which the meters were to be set up was to be so constructed that the entire body of the two lines of meters could be in- verted at will so as to exclude all air which might be trapped in any

one of the meters; this would assure a continuous flow of a solid

column of oil. This plan of test should have proven highly successful, but unfortunately, through the decision of municipal authorities, we never had a chance to work it out. It was thought, however, that

you might be interested in the plan of inspection.

The oil-burner company installed about 60 of these meters in various homes in the city of Baltimore, and furnished our office with a

letter listing the locations, but as we were estopped from testing these

meters, no investigation was made. Upon receipt of Mr. Holbrook's

request that we describe this phase of dispensing petroleum products,

inquiry was made with the oil-burner company only to learn that

they had temporarily abandoned the project for the reason that the

meters used proved entirely unsatisfactory.

The company had gone ahead with the plan, as originally outlined,

but found that the meters in nearly every instance registered from

10 to 50 per cent less than the actual quantity of oil consumed, due

to the fact that they became gummed or corroded with the deposits

of matter contained in the fuel oil. In some instances the meters

had ceased registering entirely, with the result that under their contract with the individual householder to pay only for what the meter

read each month, they were unable to collect for the actual amount

of fuel consumed, although they were able to show the individual

that the meter was not registering correctly. Of course, some adjustments were made, but in the end, the oil company lost thousands

of gallons due to the fact that the meter used was entirely unsatisfactory, and to-day they have removed every meter and are now dispensing their fuel oil by vehicle tank as the other companies are doing. I have here for your examination one of these meters. The

oil-burner company, however, advised that they were still working on the plan with a hope of finding a meter which would be adequate

and accurate enough to carry out their original intention of dispensing their fuel oil on the monthly reading of the individual meter. Now, in regard to calibrating vehicle tanks by large-capacity measures, which is the title of the subject assigned me on our present

program, in Baltimore we have found great success with the use of a 100-gallon and a 50-gallon test measure. The division of weights and

measures has tried to make use of the many valuable ideas which

have been promulgated in the several annual meetings of this conference, and the writer has referred to previous reports for methods

to follow. It seems to us, however, that none were susceptible to the accuracy and speed that might be attained with the use of largecapacity measures. In the past few years, we have tested a number of tank vehicles

with the 5-gallon test measure, only to find that this method, while
118 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

fairly accurate, is slow and tedious. Our first attempt with largecapacity measures was with a 100-gallon test tank alone. With the

use of this measure we were enabled to cut down the time of handling a tank vehicle to less than one-third of the time required with

the 5-gallon measure. We first used this 100-gallon measure by

placing the same above the openings of the different compartments

and filling to a certain designated mark, following the specifications

for tank vehicles, as previously laid down, which provide for the

filling of each compartment with all valves open. We used a small

rod which was passed through the manhole cover to each compartment and had a, crowfoot bend to register the point in the compartment at which it was calibrated. This marker was sealed through

the rod and a castellated lock nut; the lead seal wires were passed

through both and secured them permanently. We also attached our

usual current-year seal tag, which enables us to determine at a glance

that a passing tank vehicle has been calibrated.

The 100-gallon test tank was then removed to a point below the

outlets of the compartments and the compartments were emptied

through it. This enabled us to make a double check by comparing

the results of the two calibrations. This double check naturally

slowed up the work considerably, but it gave us a more accurate

calibration. We nevertheless ran into the problem of still having

to use 5-gallon test measures to complete a compartment, as the

capacity was seldom, if ever, found to be in exact multiples of 100

gallons.

We therefore asked several test-measure companies if they would

make up a 50-gallon test tank, and one company furnished us with

this size of measure also. We then found that with the 50-gallon

and the 100-gallon sizes we could calibrate vehicle tanks with much

more facility and speed and accuracy.

In one of the city yards in Baltimore a platform was suspended

from the steel roof girders of a building sufficiently high to permit

any size tank vehicle to drive under it. Upon this we have permanently mounted both the 100-gallon and the 50-gallon test-tank measures. In the use of these large-capacity measures as furnished by the

manufacturer it was found impracticable to fill them to an

exact zero reading because of the lack of control of the flow of

water, which was used as a testing medium. We devised a plan of

inserting a small pet cock in the neck of each measure, so that it is now easy to control the filling of each tank to an exact zero indication. Where before it had been necessary to draw off any excess through the main outlet, which is 2 inches in size, now we can drain

through this pet cock very easily and quickly.

Most compartments of vehicle tanks contain a quantity somewhere

near the half or even hundred gallon mark. In other words, they

usually run in odd quantities of, say, 140, 165, 215, 230, 265. and

so on, increasing by multiples of 50 or 100 gallons. We fill both the

100-gallon and the 50-gallon test measures as many times as is required for the approximate capacity of the compartment under

test, and then make the final filling with one or two small measures.

If a compartment, upon examination, for instance, is found to hold

about 295 gallons, the 100-gallon test measure is emptied and two




TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 119

full 50-gallon test measures are also emptied; then from the other

100-gallons there are drawn off two 5-gallon measures through

a regular hose spigot attached to the side of the 100-gallon measure, and the remainder, or 90 gallons, is emptied in the compartment. Finally it is a very simple matter to ascertain the capacity

by utilizing as much of the remaining 10 gallons as is necessary to

fill up the compartment to within 1 per cent of its total content. We require this 1 per cent of space below the top of the shell in each

compartment for expansion.

We found that it was necessary to require that the lines of the

several compartments which had valves, be closed, because a number

of surprise inspections made on tank vehicles which had previously

been calibrated, demonstrated that they were filled with the valves

closed (and the lines empty), although they had been calibrated open

and full. It seems that the driver took advantage of this amount

by filling the compartments to the indicated marker which we seal,

but with all valves closed. Driving up to the delivery point he

would show the customer that the tanks were full to said indicator

;

upon delivery the quantity of each compartment would be short by

an amount representing the capacity of the delivery line. In order

to obviate this condition, which existed despite the apparent cooperation of the oil companies, our office insists that all valves, if any,

be closed, and our calibrations are made accordingly.

With the use of these two large-capacity measures, operated by

one inspector of weights and measures and one laborer assistant, we

are now enabled to handle from 5,000 to 6,000 gallons per day of seven hours. This may not appear to be very fast as compared with

another record to which I have the privilege of inviting your atten- tion ; however, this is the first time any calibration has been done in a regular way in the city of Baltimore ; and, as it is necessary in most

every instance to make permanent markers for the tank vehicle

under test, and to bore holes, insert indicating rods, and seal same, we

consider it creditable. Of course, in subsequent inspections this

element of time will be eliminated and much faster speed can be

made.

The sealer of weights and measures in Chelsea, Mass., is using

the same method as I have described, varied somewhat only in minor

detail. Here the two test tanks of 100 gallons and 50 gallons each

are mounted on movable trucks or dollies which slide along an opening directly over the compartments of the tank vehicles under

test. The figures furnished me by that official show that the average

time to fill both test tanks is V/2 minutes and the average time to drain both test tanks is 1% minutes, making a total of 3 minutes to handle 150 gallons; the total time for continuous filling and draining a 1,000-gallon tank truck is given at 45 minutes. They are able

to make this very speedy time for the reason that they have a 2-inch

fill pipe with five outlets to accommodate any position as the test tank is moved along the track.

In our plar both tanks are stationary, and up to date we have

been able to utilize only a l^-inch fill pipe; the best time we have

been able to make in filling and emptying a 100-gallon and 50-gallon measure is five minutes. However, this speed, of course, is dependent entirely upon the size of the fill pipe and the water pressure, and is subject to improvement accordingly.
120 BUBEATJ OF STANDARDS

Where a department is limited in funds we feel that we can rec- ommend this system as being very satisfactory under general conditions, and also very economical, as the cost of both the 100-gallon and

the 50-gallon can is just a trifle over $100 each. The method which

we are using for the calibrating of vehicle tanks by these largecapacity measures has met with the approval of the oil companies

operating in our city. While in some instances we have been compelled to reduce the former calibrated quantities which had been

ascertained either by the 5-gallon bucket method or with gage sticks,

yet in other instances we have increased the quantity because of

inaccuracies which naturally developed with the use of these two

methods. Several of the oil companies are using meters, but only to

a limited extent ; they generally confine their use to the measurement

from their wholesale storage into the tank vehicle. Naturally the

filling stations and consumers are pleased with this work.

If there are any questions pertaining to our method of calibrating

which I may have overlooked, I shall be very glad to endeavor to answer them. I thank you.

(During the presentation of this paper Mr. Griffith illustrated by means of lantern slides a number of the measures and installations

described.)

CITATION BY WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OFFICIALS OF IMPORTANT COURT DECISIONS IN THEIR JURISDICTIONS

Mr. Griffith. Mr. Chairman, I have a decision I would like to refer to. In the report made by me at the last meeting of this conference,

it was mentioned that in pending litigation involving a milk bottle

maufactured to hold only 7 ounces, and used for the sale of a product known as " chocolate milk," the case would probably be heard

by the court of the city of Baltimore in time for a report at this

session. I wish to advise that this case was in the nature of an injunction

requested by the dairy using these 7-ounce milk bottles, to prevent

the city of Baltimore and the division of weights and measures from

interfering with its business by prohibiting the use of these 7-ounce

milk bottles. I have here a printed opinion of the Hon. Judge Frank, of the

supreme bench of Baltimore, affecting this case, which is too long

to read at this time, but, briefly, I may say the decision of the court was as follows

:

That the injunction prayed for would not be granted, but that the bill would be retained in court; if the city of Baltimore was able to produce evi- dence that this 7-ounce milk bottle was being used for the sale of milk, fur- ther intervention by the court would ensue; also that the 7-ounce bottles

in question might be continued in use for the sale of " chocolate milk." pro- vided the type used conform with a later model, and the commodity and

the contents be clearly indicated and legibly blown in the glass of the bottle. I wish to comment on this decision by saying that while apparently

the city of Baltimore was unable to prevent the use of this 7-ounce

milk bottle entirely, yet the expression of the court clearly indicates

the sympathy of the bench with the efforts of weights and measures supervision in eliminating the perpetration of fraud in the
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 121

premises under consideration. The burden of proof, however, imposed upon the city in securing the evidence of actual use of these

T-ounce milk bottles for the sale of milk, is very impractical with

the insufficient force of inspectors available—a condition usual with

departments of weights and measures throughout the country. Nevertheless, it is hoped that our office may be able to produce such

evidence within a reasonable time, during which this bill is being

retained sub cura by the court. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Chairman, may I make an announcement at

this time ? At the opening session the secretary was directed to send

flowers to William F. Cluett, of Chicago, together with a message

from the conference. Flowers have been sent, accompanied by the

following message

:

The National Conference on Weights and Measures was exceedingly regretful

at the opening of its meeting to learn that ill health made it impracticable

for you to attend this year. We were at once instructed to advise you that you were sorely missed at the meeting, and the conference sends its warmest

regards and best wishes for your speedy recovery. George K. Btjrgess, President.

F. S. Holbrook, Secretary.

National Conference on Weights and Measures. I have a wire from H. A. Webster, of New Hampshire, reading as follows

:

Concord, N. H., June 3, 1930. F. S. Holbrook.

Secretary, National Conference on Weights and Measures,

Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Regret exceedingly circumstances prevent my attending conference. Cordial

greetings to the members. Provencher, inspector of Manchester, is only New

Hampshire representative this year. Would report that department has maintained its standard of accomplishments, stressing particularly the matter of liquid-measuring devices. Warm regards to you, Doctor Burgess, and Mr.

Smith. Renewed assurance of my appreciation of your cooperation. H. A. Webster,

Commissioner,

(At this point it was moved and seconded that the conference

adjourn; the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

(Thereupon, at 4.07 p. m., the conference adjourned to meet at

9.30 o'clock a. m., Friday, June 6, 1930.)
SEVENTH SESSION (MORNING OF FRIDAY, JUNE

6, 1930)

The conference reassembled at 9.32 o'clock a. m., at the Washington

Hotel, Dr. George K. Burgess, president, in the chair.

EEPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

ON MODIFICATION OF VARIOUS CODES, PRESENTED BY F. S. HOLBROOK, CHAIRMAN

Your Committee on Specifications and Tolerances report for your

consideration certain minor amendments in various codes, which

appear to the committee to be necessary to be made at this time.

The text of these recommendations was placed in your hands several

days ago.

First, it is proposed to amend specification No. 7 under the heading " Scales—General Specifications," reading as follows

:

7. When plates or caps are used to limit the longitudinal motion of a knife- edge, the parts of such plates or caps which are liable to come into contact with

the knife-edge shall be smooth and at least as hard as the knife-edge. The

parts of the knife-edge liable to come into contact with these plates or caps

shall be so formed that the friction between them is reduced to a minimum.

by striking out the present language and substituting in lieu thereof,

the following

:

7. All scales shall be so designed and constructed that at all points at ivhich a moving part of the mechanism may come into contact with another part of the mechanism in the course of ordinary usage, fractional effects will be induced to a minimum through the agency of suitable antifriction elements;

opposing surfaces and points shall be properly shaped, finished, and hardened

to accomplish the result required.

The former specification, while intended to provide for antifriction

devices, was extremely limited in its requirement. It applied only

to devices which were intended to limit the longitudinal motion of

the knife-edge, such as plates or caps, and to the parts of the knifeedge liable to come into contact with these. This is not at all a complete specification in relation to antifriction devices, and, therefore,

it has been amplified in the manner suggested in order that it may

be more general in its application.

The Chairman. Is it your pleasure that these should be acted on

separately? If so, we will consider this item, as read by the secre- tary. Are there any comments or discussion ? (A motion was made and seconded that the amended specification

be adopted, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Mr. Holbrook. It is proposed that under the heading " Scales

General Specifications " a specification be added to be numbered 23c

and to read as follows

:

23c. All scales shall be of such design, construction, and materials that they

may reasonably be expected to withstand ordinary usage without impairment of

their accuracy or the correct functioning of their operating or indicating parts. A specification similar in purport to this is already included in

many of our later codes. Upon investigation it was found that it 122
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 123 was not included in this earlier code which was adopted in the

original instance, I think about 1913. Certainly it is obvious that

this specification should be complied with, and we have had some

difficulty in purchase specifications on account of its omission. Therefore, it is suggested that it be incorporated in the specifications at the present time.

(A motion was made and seconded that the specification be

adopted, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Mr. Holbrook. It is proposed that the first sentence of specification No. 25 under the heading " Scales—General Specifications,"

reading as follows: "25. All scales shall be maintained in balance,''

be amended to read as follows

:

25. All scales shall be provided with a mechanical device or other means by

which the balance condition may be adjusted, and all scales shall be maintained

in balance. While we formerly required that scales should be maintained in

balance, we did not require a balancing means, which we think is essential. It is intended that the definitions will remain as they

appear in the present specification.

Mr. Neale. Mr. Chairman, I just wonder if the committee means

to say " by which the balance condition may be adjusted "! I think

it is a question of means. I do not know whether you can adjust

a balance condition. I think you may change a condition and bring

about a condition of balance.

Mr. Holbrook. It seems to me that you do not adjust the means.

I think you manipulate the means in order to secure the condition.

Perhaps the word " secured " might be better than " adjusted," or

it may be that the word " adjusted " is all right. I would think the

adjustment of the condition was to be obtained by the manipulation

of the means. The meaning of it is obvious.

The Chairman. You do not make a formal amendment?

Mr. Neale. No; I just offered it for the consideration of the committee.

Mr. Holbrook. The committee will give it consideration.

The Chairman. You have heard the proposal on item No. 25. Mr. Meredith. Is the motion on the word "secured'" for "adjusted " ? The Chairman. The gentleman did not offer an amendment, so the question is upon the amendment as proposed by the committee.

(A motion was made and seconded that the amendment be

adopted, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Mr. Holbrook. It is proposed that specification No. 8, under the

heading "Liquid-Measuring Devices," be amended by adding the

following words at the end of the third paragraph

and that in lieu of the maximum* rate the words " full flow " or si7nilar and suit- able words may be used—

to make this portion of the specification read as follows

:

* * * all such meters shall be legibly marked to show the maximum dis- charge rates under normal conditions of installation and the minimum dis- charge rates and the maximum working pressures for wJiich they are intended,

to be used: Provided, however, That the value of the minimum rate shall not

be greater than 7 gallons per minute, and that in lieu of the maximum rate the

tcords " full flow " or similar and suitable words may be used.
124 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

It has been urged that when a liquid meter is marked as having a maximum discharge rate of, for instance, 20 gallons per minute, the

manufacturer may have produced a device which under certain in- stallation conditions will accurately deliver 20 gallons per minute;

yet, in the field, when the installation conditions are somewhat different from those normally encountered, a somewhat less amount

may actually be delivered by the meter operating at full flow—16 or 18 gallons per minute, perhaps. Some difficulty has been encountered as a result. The buyer of the device—seeing 20 gallons per

minute marked upon the meter—is said sometimes to demand that

20 gallons per minute be realized in his installation, regardless of the

conditions encountered. The words now suggested require that the

meter be correct at the full flow which can be obtained with the

pumping means in use and with the outlet valve wide open. To the

committee, it appears that such a statement on the meter is just as satisfactory from a weights and measures standpoint as the " maximum discharge rate" statement in terms of gallons per minute;

therefore we recommend the change that has been proposed.

(It was moved and seconded that this amendment be adopted, the

question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Mr. Holbrook. There are two additional proposals which were

decided upon so late that we did not have the opportunity of in- cluding them in the mimeographed copy of this report which was

placed in your hands a day or two ago. These amendments are under the heading " Lubricating-Oil Bottles."

Specification No. 2 for Lubricating-Oil Bottles reads as follows

:

The over-all heights of bottles of the various capacities shall not be greater

than the values shoicn in the folloiving table:

Capacity of bottle Maximum

height

2 quarts. _ 1234 inches.

1 quart __ 10% inches.

1 pint _ 8}i inches.

In specification No. 5, referring to the attached spout, it is provided that if a spout be attached to these lubricating-oil bottles

this shall not be over 6 inches in length, measured from the point

of contact with the top of the bottle to the tip of the spout.

Very shortly after the adjournment of the conference which

adopted these requirements it was found that bottles were being

placed upon the market in which the bottle and the spout were

integral—where the metal spout was permanently attached to the

bottle or the bottle was so shaped as to include a glass spout. It seemed that such a bottle might properly be as tall as the combined

heights allowed for the bottle and for the spout when these were

separate elements.

In view of the fact that Handbook M85 of the Bureau of Standards was just about to be published, the committee added the following note to the maximum-height requirement, and this was printed

in the handbook

;
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 125

Committee note.—Bottles are now being developed and produced in which

the bottle and the spout are integral; for instance, a metal top may be per- manently attached to the bottle, or the bottle may be so shaped as to include a glass spout. In such cases it seems that compliance with these specifica- tions will be substantially secured when the over-all height of the bottle and

the permanently attached spout, or the over-all height of a bottle blown integral

with the spout, does not exceed the height specified in this table, plus 6 inches which is the figure given in specification No. 5 as the allowable length of a

detachable spout. Obviously, that was only an interpretation of the specification by

the committee, and we desire at this time to have the conference consider that matter. Therefore the committee is now recommending; to the conference that a note be added to specification No. 2 specifying

the maximum height of lubricating-oil bottles, as follows

:

Note.—When the bottle and the spout are integral—as, for instance, when

a metal top is permanently attached to the bottle or a bottle is so shaped

as to include a glass spout—this specification shall be construed to be complied with when the over-all height of the bottle and the permanently attached

spout, or the over-all height of a bottle blown integral with the spout, does not exceed the height specified in this table, plus 6 inches. As we see it, that simply makes the bottle having a permanently

attached spout comply with the same requirement as the bottle to which a 6-inch spout is attached.

(A motion was made and seconded that the amendment be adopted,

the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Mr. Holbrook. The next amendment is made necessary by the

amendment which you have just adopted.

In specification No. 4 it is provided that the graduation line shall

be placed so that there is at least one-fourth inch between it and

the bottom of the metal spout when this is screwed firmly into place.

Obviously these metal tops which are permanently attached to the

bottle and the glass spouts which are integral with the bottle will

not be screwed into place. We, therefore, suggest the insertion of

the clause "or otherwise securely attached" at the end of the third

sentence in specification No. 4, to make the specification read as follows

:

Jf. Bottles shall be provided with a clewly defined graduation Ime blown or otherwise clearly and permanently marked in or on the bottle, and extending

at least halfway around it, which indicates the correct capacity, and with the words "Fill to line" or a similar and suitable inscription clearly and permanently marked in or on the bottle and clearly referable to this graduation line. This line sJiall in no case be more than 0.10 inch in width and the bottom edge

of the line shall define the top of the meniscus of the water which is used in

the test of the bottle. This graduation line shall be placed so that it is at

least one-fourth inch below the bottom of any metal top when this is firmly screwed into place or otherwise securely attached. The capacity of that portion

of the bottle above the bottom of the graduation line shall be at least 3 cubic

inches. (A motion was made and seconded that the amendment be adopted,

the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Mr. Holbrook. That concludes the report.

The Chairman. The next paper on the program is The Use and

Abuse of Person-Weighing Scales, by Carl E. Dartt, president

Columbia Scale Co. You will remember that we had a paper last
126 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

year by Mr. Roberts on Coin-Controlled Person-Weighing Scales.

This time we will hear from the manufacturer of such scales. THE USE AND ABUSE OF PERSON-WEIGHING SCALES

By Carl E. Dabtt, President Columbia Scale Co. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference, at the request of F. S. Holbrook, secretary of the conference, I have prepared a paper on person-weighing scales. I note the title, " The Use and Abuse

of Person-Weighing Scales," but in discussing this subject I would

like to add one more word, " inaccuracy," as I have heard more about

that word than any other since I have been associated with the scale business.

The person-weighing scale, taken as a class and allowing exemption to only two or three out of the dozen of makes and models found on the streets and in stores to-day, has earned for itself a unique

distinction among American mechanical devices. It is, in all probability, the only mechanical device which after thirty-odd years

of experiment and development is less efficient than when it was

introduced. In making this statement, you will understand, I am

considering the person weigher as a " scale," and to this assemblage

the word " scale " means an instrument for exact weighing.

The old beam scale, penny controlled, which was among the earliest

of the weight sellers to make its appearance, was, in the main, honest

and accurate and entitled to be classed as a scale in all that the word

implies. It did its full duty as a scale, but as a penny getter it was more or less of a failure for the reason that only a small percentage

of the public knew how to operate it. To the manufacturer and

operators this was a serious drawback, for their concern was chiefly

with the pennies, and in the era of development which followed, the

penny feature was the one which occupied practically all of the

attention of everyone concerned.

One after another a long line of hybrid devices followed each other

into the market and in almost all of these the giving of accurate weight had been subordinated to some " catch-penny " feature designed to increase the intake. In fact, the new " penny machine," as

it had come to be called, had strayed so far afield from the parent

scale family that in some States the departments having to do with

the control of weights and measures were uncertain whether or not

these hybrid machines came witnin their jurisdiction. So we see that

starting with the old beam scale, which was a good weigher but not

much of a penny catcher, we progressed to the modern penny weighing machine, which is a real good penny catcher but not much good

as a weigher.

For a number of years the penny weighing machine was goodnaturedly accepted by the American public as one of the standard

jokes. Even the most optimistic of those who filled these machines

with pennies did not expect to get their correct weight, but looked on

the machine as a sort of an amusement device and got their penny's

worth in laughing at its inaccuracies, fortunes, trying to get their

penny back, and what have you.

And then gradually the American Nation became weight conscious.

The health campaigns of the insurance companies and the life extension institutes and the new system of combating human ills by pre-
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 127

ventative rather than curative methods, taught the public that weight

is of great importance in the scheme of health conservation. Immediately Mr. and Mrs. General Public became interested in their weight

and, inasmuch as few homes are equipped with scales, they naturally

turned to the penny weighers for their information. Eight here the

attitude of the public toward the penny scale underwent an abrupt

change. People wanted to know their weight and their correct weight. When they failed to get it they began to protest. Complaints went to the sealers and the newspapers about the inaccuracies

of scales. In many cities the newspapers sent out reporters to investigate and a flood of publicity unfavorable to the penny scale resulted. It has had its effect and the end is not yet.

* * .* * * # $

The person-weighing scale is also sometimes used as a merchandise scale in drug stores, as the druggist may be equipped only with

a small scale; if a scale is needed of larger capacity, the druggist

naturally turns to his person weigher, and it is, therefore, very essential that the accuracy of the person weigher should compare favorably

with other types of merchandise scales. Very naturally the question arises as to what can really be demanded of the penny scale in the way of accuracy. Also whether

or not it is entitled to special leniency from the governing powers

by reason of its coming in direct contact with the public—and sometimes a malicious public when the small boy is considered.

That the penny scale has a hard battle to maintain its integrity

there is no question, but when a hard battle is in prospect it is folly to send a weakling to the combat. As a consequence would it be too much to demand that any scale which is to be tolerated as a public

weigher must be first of all an honest and well-constructed piece

of precision machinery capable of indicating exact weight? And

starting with such a scale it would be hard to understand why it should be granted a greater variance tolerance than is conceded to the merchandise scale. The ideal arrangement, to my mind, would

be to consider that in the life of the person-weighing penny scale there can be only two honest conditions. Either it must be operating and weighing correctly or else, if wrecked by some malicious

abuse, not operating at all. To bring about such a standard in penny weighers, it would seem

advisable that all States pass such laws as will bring the personweighing scale under the same restriction and supervision as the

merchandise scale, and to make these laws apply to all these scales in use. In the State of New Jersey a law was passed in May, 1926, which

required all new types of person-weighing scales to be approved by

the State department of weights and measures. It is my understanding that any scale which was on the market prior to that date can be operated in the State of New Jersey, providing, of course, that

it can be sealed. It would seem to me that if the scales manufactured prior to 1926 do not come up to the present standard, the manufacturers should be given a reasonable time to make the necessary

corrections and if they do not do so, they should not have the privilege of selling or operating this type of scale. If such legislation
128 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

should be passed, it would not be long before the person-weighing

scale would be rated as high as other types of scales and the public

could get what they are entitled to. and what they should have

accurate weight.

DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PAPER

The Chatrmais. Is there any discussion of the paper?

Mr. Schwartz. I might say, Mr. Chairman, for the benefit of the

gentleman, that in New Jersey we had a situation that was some- what similar to the several instances he offered—illustrations as to changes in indicated weight. In Atlantic County and Atlantic City,

there are a large number of person-weighing machines. One morning some years ago, in Atlantic City, I started out right after

breakfast to make a cursory inspection of some of these scales. From Atlantic Avenue to the Boardwalk my weight increased and

decreased from one-half to 4 pounds on different scales. The only

satisfaction I got out of it was that sometimes the scale told my

fortune. The weights did not seem to jibe at all. So we started a campaign on person-weighing machines, and rounded them up.

Where they were not accurate we put placards reading " condemned " in red letters 8 inches high, together with a statement that the scales could not be used until readjusted and repaired. That was pasted over the face of the scale so that it gave the public warning that

that scale was out of order. It did not take long before the personweighing machine companies had their mechanics along the line,

but the placards could not be removed until after we had tested and

passed on the scales. And of course that took some time. They had

to use a pail of hot water, a scraper, and a brush to get the sign off the scales. Finally we passed that regulation that Mr. Dartt

mentioned in his paper. We gave particular attention to those scales and practically made them come up as near as possible to the

commodity-weighing machine.

One thing that caused a lot of difficulty was that people did not

take into consideration the importance of a person-weighing machine. We had complaints from physicians who had patients with

tuberculosis who were taking treatment. Such a patient would

weigh himself on a person-weighing machine and find his weight to be 130 pounds, for instance. Then later another would register 128

pounds. Now, an increase in weight is all right, but when a scale gave a weight lower than he had formerly received he would feel that

he had lost weight, with the result that that would retard his re- covery, and he would not get along as well as he should have. It was a nervous strain on the patient, and he would get downhearted

at the thought that he was not gaining as he should. That is one

of the most serious objections to the person-weighing machine.

LOG RULES

By A. W. Cokwin, Sealer of Weights and Measures, County of AUegany, N. Y. Mr. President and gentlemen of the conference, in the sale of saw

logs it is often desirable to sell the logs by board-foot measurement

before the logs are sawed into lumber. The board foot is the common
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 129

unit of measurement of lumber and represents a section of board

1 foot square by 1 inch thick. For this purpose a scale or rule is used, called a log rule. By measuring the diameter and length and

making proper allowance for defects, the number of board feet in the

log is determined, and by this measurement payment is made. # This

system is also used for estimating the quantity of standing timber.

Fortunately there are at the present time a number of reliable

authorities on this subject, and most of the information given in this

paper will be quoted from them. If one had the mathematical inclination and the time, it would, no doubt, be interesting to delve

into the mysteries of log-rule construction, whether by formula, by

chart, or by mill tally. This, however, is not essential. The important feature is whether the rule in question actually shows the content of the log and is fair to both the seller and the buyer.

In sections where lumbering is carried on, the weights and measures official is often called upon to scale logs and to settle disputes

arising over the measurement, or " scaling " as it is usually called. This trouble has often been found to be caused by log rules that show

widely different readings, the seller using one and the buyer another.

This is not surprising when it is considered that there are

at least 57 varieties of the log rule in this country, every one showing a different result. Certainly here is a good opportunity for standardization. Of all these different rules the one most

inaccurate, the most unfair to the seller of the smaller logs (which

constitute most of the logs sold to-day), is the rule in most common

use in the State of New York, known as the Doyle log rule. This

statement applies as well to many other States where inaccurate

log rules are in use, and in a number the Doyle is even fixed by law

as the State standard. In contrast to this, several States, especially

where lumbering is more extensively carried on, have in use very

accurate rules, many of which have been adopted as part of the State

law. In referring to the Doyle rule it is intended to include, in a general way, other inaccurate rules to whatever extent the inaccuracy

exists. In an effort to correct the unfairness in the use of log rules in

New York State the legislature has recently enacted a law which

will be in effect July 1, 1930, fixing the "International 14-inch kerf

log rule " as the standard of that State. Comparison of some of the more common log rules

Log rule Log 12 feet long, 12 inches in diameter

Log 16 feet long, 8 inches in diameter

Maine or Holland Board feet78

72

7060

5948

Board feet44 Vermont State

International 40

30sWisconsin State ... . . . . . Scribner Doyle - ... ... . . ._. 24342°—31 10
130 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Comparison of mill scale, Vermont rule, and Doyle rule

[Furnished by the department of weights and measures, State of Vermont]

Diameter, top end (inches) Total number of logs Total by

mill scale Total by

Vermont

rule Total by

Doyle rule

6 142523

12

Board feet 340

989

1, 270

1,034

Board feet 260

527

1, 198 906

Board feet42

197

645 600

8

10

12 Note.—The mill scale is the amount of lumber made when the log is sawed. A careful test, under direction of the courts in Texas where logs

of given sizes were actually sawed (" Extending a Log Rule," E. A.

Braniff, Forestry Quarterly, Vol. VI, 1908, p. 47), showed that for

24-foot logs sawed by circular saw, the Doyle rule gave an overrun

for different diameters, as shown below:

Overrun, Doyle rule, Texas

Diameter at small end (inches) Actual output of sawed

product

Scale, Doyle

rule Overrun

6 to 6%

Board feet35

49

6176

95

112

Board feet61424

37

54

74

Per cent483

250

150

10576

51

7 to 7M

8 to 8M

9 to 9%

10 to 10%

11 to 11% Note.—Overrun is the amount of lumber actually sawed out of the log in excess of thg amount deter- mined by log-rule scale. From mill tests of pine logs sawed with j\-inch kerf, the per cent of overrun was as follows, for 12-foot logs

:

Overrun, Doyle rule, Ontario

["Forest Mensuration," H. H. Chapman, M. F.

Diameter of log at small end (inches) Actual output of inch lumber

Scale, Doyle

rule Overrun

6 Board feet14 Board feet3

1227

48

75 108

Per cent366

150

8558

44

33

8 30 10 50

76 108

144

12

1416
TWEXTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON" WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 131

Comparison' of Doyle and International log wiles

Length of log, 16 feet

Diameter of log at small end (inches) Inter- national

34-inch

rule Doj le rule

6. Board feet20 Board feet 4

30 9

8 40 16 y 50 25 10 65 36 n . 80 49

12 95 64

13 115 81

14 135 100

15 160 121 16 180 144 The method of sawing logs has been radically changing through

the years. The logs are of a much smaller size than formerly, and

more care is used to save all of the lumber. An investigation in the

Province of Ontario, Canada, in 1904, showed that the diameter of

the average log sawed at that time was 12 inches, and that it had decreased 63 per cent in 25 years. The Doyle rule never was an accurate rule, but under the old custom of sawing, and with large logs,

it might have been tolerable. H. C. Belyea, professor of forest engineering, Syracuse University,

writes

:

The Doyle rule is regarded as one of the most inaccurate rules in existence,

although it has a rather wide use. It is a rule which, as we say, has a very

large overrun with small diameter logs. * * * It is regarded as an ex- tremely good log rule to buy with, but a poor one to sell by, which explains its general use. Beading from Forest Mensuration, by H. H. Chapman, M. F., of

the Yale School of Forestry

:

The wide use of this rule [Doyle] has caused losses of millions of dollars

to owners selling logs and standing timber, by improper and defective measure- ment of contents. The seller can defend himself against the use of a short measure if the

latter is consistent and its per cent of error known. But with a log rule like the Doyle, the per cent of error differs with every scale of logs or stand

of timber and it is practically impossible to determine the actual loss without , remeasuring the logs by a correct log rule or tallying the sawed contents. When the average log ran between 18 and 31 inches, the defects of this rule were not so apparent, and the overrun was not excessive. But as the size of

the logs cut grows less with the advent of second growth and closer utilization, the rule becomes impossible. Its continued use in many regions is due largely

to the fact that logs are not often bought and sold, but the timber is purchased

on the stump and the owner is unaware of his losses. This rule must eventually be superseded either by a more consistent standard or by the rejection of board-foot measure altogether. No owner of small logs or of young standing

timber can afford to sell on the basis of a scale or estimate made by the Doyle

rule. As it stands, this rule is a serious obstacle to the profitable marketing

of second-growth timber, hence to the practice of forestry.

As a rule for universal adoption the Doyle must be rejected because of its glaring inconsistencies and the Doyle-Scribner because it combines the worst

features of both rules.
132 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

It is surprising that such inaccurate log rules should be found in

such general use in this age of speed, accuracy, and standardization.

There are, however, some reasons for this. In the first place the

buyer usually selects the rule to be used and naturally picks the rule

that shows the smallest readings. The Doyle rule is a very simple

rule. Simply subtract 4 from the small diameter, in inches, square

one-quarter of the remainder, multiply by the length in feet and you

have the board feet according to Doyle. Another reason is that it was published in Scribner's Log and Lumber Book which had a large circulation, was widely accepted as a standard, and was almost

the only publication on log rules. The question might naturally be asked, why should the International be adopted in preference to any one of the other good rules

now in use? The International 14 -inch kerf log rule is a comparatively new rule, developed in 1917 by Judson F. Clark from his

International %-inch rule produced in 1900. The y8 -inch rule

would be open to objection for general adoption, as it would overscale the product of most small mills. This rule is considered by

authorities to be one of the most accurate log rules, being formed

from a scientific formula which is accurate for all sizes and lengths

of logs and checks very closely with the actual mill tallies. It does

not make the largest scale of any rule, as you have seen by the tables,

but is fair to both the buyer and seller. The Federal Land Bank of

Springfield, Mass., after an investigation of practically all log rules,

found the International by far the most accurate and adopted it for

their work covering several States, including New York.

Beading again from Professor Chapman's Forest Mensuration:

* * * The International 14 -inch rule is probably as perfect a rule as will ever be required in commerce. This rule is especially valuable for logs below

12 inches and above 28 inches, in which classes the Scribner rule is defective. There is nothing to be gained by further efforts to construct new perfect log

rules. Professor Belyea, of the Syracuse State School of Forestry, wrote

:

It will be very desirable to have a standard rule adopted in this State * * *. It would certainly be in the interest of the small timber owner who has timber

to sell and needs to get every dollar that he can for the value of his timber,

and it would certainly be to his interest to have a standard log rule * * *. I am absolutely persuaded the International rule is the best for use in this State. When it was first proposed to adopt by law a standard log rule for use in New York State we were informed that it could not be done be- cause the powerful lumber interests would easily prevent its passage. There was some opposition but the fact of the matter was that no man had nerve enough to stand on the floor of the legislature or in

the committee room and defend a thing so grossly unfair as the log

rules now in use. The matter was presented to the New York State Farm Bureau

Federation, attention being called to the fact that there are 4,000,000 acres of farm wood lot in the State, the logs from which constitute an important source of revenue. It was recognized that this was

in harmony with the popular theme of farm relief, going it one better

by giving to the farmers what they were justly entitled to in the

measurement of the wood-lot products. In addition to the Farm

Bureau Federation, the bill had the support of the American Agri-
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 133

culturist and other farm papers, the Federal Land Bank, the State

School of Forestry, the State department of agriculture and markets,

and others. The 1929 legislature first passed the bill, but it was vetoed by the

governor because the rule was referred to by name and the formula

or chart giving the readings was not included. This change was

made, and the bill was repassed by the 1930 legislature and signed

by Governor Roosevelt.

This section of the law is as follows

:

State of New York, agriculture and market laws, in effect July 1, 1930.

Sec. 193c. Standaed Log Rule.—The International log rule, based upon

i/4 -inch kerf, as expressed in the formula [ (D2 X0.22)—0.7LD] X 0.904762 for

4-foot sections (D represents top diameter of log in inches; taper allowance,

one-half inch per 4 feet lineal), is hereby adopted as the standard log rule for determining the board-foot content of saw logs, and all contracts hereafter entered into for the purchase and sale of saw logs shall be deemed to be made

on the basis of such standard rule, unless some other method of measurement

is specifically agreed upon. (During the presentation of this paper Mr. Corwin illustrated by means of lantern slides a number of the matters discussed.)

MOTION IN RELATION TO SPECIAL EXPENDITURE

Mr. Maroney. Mr. President, may I interrupt the proceedings for

just a moment?

The Chairman. You may, sir. Mr. Maroney. Mr. President, I move you, sir, that our president

and secretary be authorized, if conditions require it, to draw on our

treasury in an amount up to the sum of $500.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. You have heard the motion put. Is there any

discussion ? Mr. Maroney. Our reason for bringing this motion before you is known to most of you, and I think it would be preferable not to bring in the details and have them go on our record. I know you

all have confidence in our executive officers. I know that whatever

they do will be what we expect them to do. In view of the fact that

certain conditions exist, I hope there will be no discussion on the

matter. The Chairman. I would like to say that it might be well to include

the vice presidents in the authorizing authority.

Mr. Maroney. As the vice presidents are miles apart, and, as I

said before, you have our confidence, I do not think it necessary. You know, and most of us know, it may be necessary to take action,

and quick action; therefore, I limited it to the president and sec- retary.

Mr. Griffith. I think your suggestion is well taken, but even though distance would not permit of immediate contact, I am

quite sure we have the same confidence in our vice presidents as to the action they would take were they included ; that will show that

all of the officers of this conference are back of the proposition. I ask the mover to accept that amendment.

The Chairman. The question is on the motion, as you have heard

it, as amended. Are you ready for the motion as amended?

(The question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Thank you, sir.
134 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

SIDE-BEAM AND HIDDEN-WEIGHT SCALES

By J. C. Tinkey, Deputy Sealer of Weights and Measures, State of Ohio

Mr. Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen of the conference, it so happens that I am the only deputy State sealer in Ohio at the present

time and there never were more than two. However, we have 88

county sealers and 15 city sealers; with the deputies attached to some of the departments, that gives us a force of about 210 weights

and measures officials. In addition, we have commissioners in all of our counties, and their attorneys. Taken as a whole, we have

about 725 persons in Ohio directly responsible for the enforcement

of the weights and measures law.

This is preliminary to my paper and I hope you will keep it in

mind as it shows you how we are organized and how quickly we can put across any new and reasonable regulation.

It is with considerable reluctance that I read this paper. First,

because it was requested that our chief, O. J. Bailey, prepare the

paper, but when the change was made May 1, placing weights and

measures under the division of feeds and fertilizers, we had a new

chief. Dr. D. M. Odaffer, who recently requested me to prepare the

paper; consequently my time was limited to do justice to such a

vital subject.

Second, I had previously informed Mr. Bailey that to change a long-established custom and eliminate scales that could, when in proper order, do correct weighing, was not quite the right thing to

do, and if the conference desires to attempt the complete elimination

in the near future of this type of scale, I am frank to say that I will

not be a party to such an arrangement.

Third, I am more reluctant because there is a vital need of better

control of such devices when used in weighing to the customer, and

I am fearful that with its many angles for discussion I will not be

able to make my points clear in the short time allotted. However,

if it will place the matter before you in a way that will court your

serious attention and bring it before the conference committee, I will

feel that I have at least done my duty, whatever the outcome may be. I have read what transpired upon this subject at the twenty-second

conference and am in accord with the views put forth, but it showed

me that it is a very serious debatable question. I have learned that

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota have discussed this

question at their conferences, so it is not a new matter. Ohio laws and specifications are such that the matter could be

controlled without any action of this conference. However, we have

gone as far as we care to go until we know just what, if anything,

this conference will do, as we desire to comply as nearly as possible

with your wishes, and believe in standardization and uniformity.

It is our belief that with the full cooperation of the manufacturers,

dealers, and sealers splendid results will be secured. However, unless a definite date be set for compliance, and unless certain further in- structions to sealers be agreed upon and be uniform over the United

States, we can not hope for the best results.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 135

On September 20, 1929, circular No. 3 was mailed from the Ohio

State department, addressed to pump, oil, scale, and grocery companies, and to sealers. The third and fourth paragraphs read as follows

:

We wish particularly to call the attention of scale manufacturers and merchants to the requirements of Book 10, pages 7, 28 to 32, 91 to 94, 114 to 118. These are not new laws or regulations as they were adopted by the department more than six years ago. However, a condition has arisen within the

past two years which makes enforcement necessary. The above references refer to scales of the type under discussion.

If scale and pump manufacturers would place with the dealers only those

scales and pumps which comply with the State specifications, and if dealers, on the other hand, would use only those that are allowed in the manner designated by the sealers, and replace obsolete equipment as soon as possible with

equipment that does comply, conditions would be much better and everyone more nearly satisfied. At the annual Ohio sealers' convention, held last December, a reso- lution was passed, requesting the State sealer to make further regulations necessary to handle this scale situation and set a date of compliance. On January 20, 1930, a circular was ready for distribution,

but was withheld because we then learned that the matter would be

brought up again at Washington, and we desired to comply with the

further wishes of this conference. However, in order to acquaint

you with the thoughts we had in mind so that you may have the

benefit of any points of special interest, and to show you how the

whole matter now stands in Ohio, we are concluding our paper by

giving you the full text of the proposed circular as follows

:

Columbus, Ohio, January 20, 1930. Circular No. —

.

To Scale Manufacturers, Dealers, and Sealers: Gentlemen : In our circular No. 3 of September 20', 1929, paragraphs 3 and 4, we called to your attention certain requirements that were to be enforced. To

be more specific, one of the things to be corrected is the use of scales not

properly constructed or marked and with beams or added weights that are not

in view of the customer ; therefore in violation of section 7965-1, page 7, book

10; specifications 2, page 91; 24, page 94; 8 and 10, page 114; and general

instructions, pages 170 and 176. In addition to the above laws and regulations, and in order to expedite matters so that uniformity of enforcement will be accomplished, the following

rules and regulations are adopted

;

No. 1. On and after July 1, 1930, counter scales shall be set on a solid counter, with the reading of the weight of the commodity within 3 feet from the front

of the counter, and at a clear angle of vision to the weigher and the customer.

Note.—Scales setting crosswise on end of counter may meet the above requirement. No. 2. Counter scales in use previous to above date will be considered old

scales and classed as A and B. Class A are scales with hidden or added weights used when weighing more

than 10 pounds.

Class B are scales with hidden or added weights used when weighing less than 10 pounds. No. 3. Class A scales shall meet requirements of class B by July 1, 1930, and

No. 1 by January 1, 1931. Class B scales shall meet requirements of No. 1 by July 1, 1930, and previous

thereto may be set crosswise of counter at any suitable place provided they

are securely fastened to the counter.
136 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

No. 4. Suspension or any other type of scale, when used for weighing to the customer, shall meet the specifications applicable thereto and be governed as

class B. Explanation.—" Counter scale " means any scale used upon a counter when weighing

in the- presence of the customer.

" Counter " means any suitable place of installation where scale is intended to he used

for weighing to the customer. Very truly yours, Perry L. Green.

Director of Agriculture and State Sealer. O. J. Bailey,

Chief of Division-.

J. C. TlNKEY,

Deputy State Sealer. You will especially note that we did not have in mind to entirely

eliminate this type of scale, but to try to secure the cooperation of

the manufacturers and dealers to the end that by January 1. 1931, no scale of this type would be used when weighing to the customer

except when located in the proper manner. We have explained to the dealers that it is certainly unfair to their employees, as well as to

their customers, to use a scale that slows up the work of selling

merchandise accurately in not providing the proper view of the

transaction to both the buyer and seller. We are ready to proceed

along this line, submitted for your consideration, unless you can show

us a better way, I thank you.

STANDARDIZATION* ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL SCALE MEN'S

ASSOCIATION

By M. J. J. Harrison, Chairman Committee' on Specifications, National Scale Men's Association

Last year, through the medium of a paper presented at the twentysecond meeting of this organization, the attention of the National

Conference on Weights and Measures was, I believe for the first time,

formally called to the activities of the National Scale Men's Association. At that meeting the conference was told of the preparation

and adoption by the association of a code of specifications for the

repair of heavy-capacity scales, and the conference took formal cog- nizance of the matter to the extent of adopting a resolution expressing

commendation and extending cooperation and moral support.

It is now my privilege to acquaint you with some of the further

activities of the National Scale Men's Association, and especially to

tell you of certain of the association's outstanding accomplishments

during the past year. In the first place, the code of specifications just referred to, for

repair of heavy-capacity scales, was slightly revised. I do not want

to take the time of this meeting with details, but those of you who

are interested may refer to the February and May, 1930, issues of the

Scale Journal for a complete list of revisions and the substance

thereof.

Of the items of new work, I think possibly the first to be mentioned

here is the preparation and indorsement of a code of specifications for

light industrial-service track scales. As you gentlemen are already aware, there are several thousand

track scales in present service in the United States. A goodly number of these are owned and operated by railways, and are used pri-
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 137

marily for determining weights for the purpose of assessing transportation charges. The remainder, and incidentally the larger number,

are owned and operated by individual shippers and receivers of car- load freight. These are used primarily for determining weights of

commodities bought and sold, and such weights are principally used

as a basis for settlement between buyer and seller, and also, under

certain conditions, for determining transportation charges.

There is no essential difference in the accuracy required in a track

scale by reason of its ownership or principal use, with the exception,

however, that scales used for weighing grain are, as a trade requirement, somewhat more accurate than other scales are required to be. On the other hand, there are several track-scale sizes and capacities

which, for the past 10 years, have been recognized as being standard.

These sizes and capacities were agreed to in 1920 by a joint committee

representing several interests, and since that time the manufacturers

of scales have very largely confined their output of 4-section track

scales to those sizes and capacities. » When the code of specifications just referred to, generally identified as " Bureau of Standards Circular No. 83," was promulgated,

it was the thought of the joint committee that, notwithstanding the

fact that the specifications described a series of scales designed primarily for railway service, they would be acceptable to the industries

also. That the committee's view was at least partially correct is apparently proved by the general adherence to the specifications by

the railways for new installations, and by the large number of

" specification scales " purchased and installed by industries since

1920.

However, there are many shippers of carload freight in the United

States who never handle their materials in larger quantities than

would be contained in a conventional 100,000-pound capacity freight

car. In fact, in many cases, even so large a car as one of 100,000

pounds capacity would rarely, if ever, be seen. The specifications

contained in Circular ISTo. 83 contemplated as a minimum a some- what heavier loading than this, and, for this reason, it began to be urged that a lighter-type scale would be economically advantageous.

Now, of course, as long as the industry had no scale to start with,

and simply took the position of declining to pay out the amount of

money that a standard scale would cost, the National Scale Men's

Association had absolutely no interest in the matter. The association certainly was not in the business of selling scales and had

nothing to gain or lose, one way or the other.

However, in many ca»ses the shipper already had a track scale in

operation. It might be obsolete—it might be sadly deficient—it might be entirely inadequate for the service to which it was subjected—it might have the habit of breaking down so often as to make it a nuisance. But it might have a nicely polished and impressive weighbeam, and to the owner it was his scale. Any suggestion or recommendation that he throw it on the junk pile and spend

several thousand dollars for a new scale might be as welcome to his ears as the whir of a rattlesnake's alarm, and the inspector who

had the temerity to advance such" a suggestion might find the busi- ness end of the rattlesnake pointed his way. In short, the practical
138 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

result was the perpetuation of a large number of obsolete and woefully inadequate track scales, and to a serious extent this was hindering the efforts of those who were trying to maintain a satisfactory

degree of weighing efficiency.

This, then, was a situation in which the National Scale Men's

Association could not help but be vitally interested, and in 1929 the

association adopted a resolution which, boiled down, favored the

admission to standardization of additional sizes of track scales. The publication of this action resulted in considerable impetus being

given to the proposition of preparing formal specifications for a

lighter-type track scale, and a joint committee was formed under the

sponsorship of the association. The committee prepared a code of

Specifications for the Manufacture and Installation of Railway Track

Scales for Light Industrial Service, which was indorsed by the asso- ciation at its 1930 convention, and subsequently indorsed by the

engineering division of the American Railway Association and ac- cepted by the manufacturers.

Briefly, the new code adds one item to the series of standard track

scales. The specifications were printed in full in the February, 1930,

issue of the Scale Journal, and describe a smaller and lighter scale

than any contemplated by Circular No. 83—a scale designed to weigh a loaded 100,000-pound capacity freight car of conventional

length as a maximum load. By reason of reduction in size and

strength the total cost of such a scale, installed complete, is ex- pected to be materially less than the total cost of any Circular No. 83

scale. At the same time it is believed that no characteristic essential to correctness of weights for the service contemplated was sacrificed. For the purpose of discouraging the purchase of this scale by

those who might be attracted by low first cost, regardless of other

important considerations, the weighbeam capacity was kept consistent with the supporting strength of the structure and the length

of scale was made considerably shorter than the minimum Circular

No. 83 length.

What the effect of the introduction of this scale will be remains

•to be seen. The facts that less than three months have elapsed since

the specifications were adopted and that business conditions have

been very quiet during that time have resulted in fewer sales than

might reasonably be expected during a corresponding period, say, a year from now. The committee believed it had the correct answer

to its problem, and time alone will prove whether it was right or wrong.

The second accomplishment of the association at its 1930 convention to be mentioned here was the adoption of a code of specifications

for test-weight cars for use in testing track scales. These specifications were prepared by a committee of the association and appear in

full in the March, 1930, issue of the Scale Journal.

Test-weight cars have existed for many years in one form and

another, and for several years it might well be said that they were

in a state of development. There had been no particularly definite

guide in their design until about 1917, when the American Railway

Association promulgated as a part of a general code of rules two

paragraphs which outlined certain fundamental requirements. An

example of the application of these two paragraphs is seen in the
Miscellaneous Publications, Bureau of Standards, No. 116

Figure 14.

One of the railroad track scale test-weight cars of the National Bureau of Standards

Figure 15.Master Scale Depot of the National Bureau of Standards, at Clearing, III.

TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 139

cars operated by the Bureau of Standards. (See fig. 14.) The

requirements were: L All metal construction. This is obvious in the view shown.

2. Length of wheelbase not to exceed 7 feet. This is taken as the

maximum length of wheelbase which can be used satisfactorily in the

testing of 4-section track scales. Since car builders always try to get

as long a wheelbase as they can, we actually find that 7 feet has come

to be the standard length.

3. Load distributed uniformly on wheels. A fairly obvious requirement.

4. No unnecessary ledges or projections likely to catch and hold

dirt. Note how this requirement is followed out in the bureau's car, with its smooth surfaces.

5. No unnecessary parts. The car shown is essentially a mass of

cast iron on wheels, and the additional parts are merely those which

are required by railway operating rules.

6. Strength and durability. The most cursory glance at the car shown gives the impression of ruggedness, and a more detailed inspection would confirm that impression.

7. Surface area reduced as much as possible. Note how compact

the bureau's car seems. There is no surplus area.

8. Accessibility of all parts for inspection. A warning to the designer not to hide anything that should be out in sight.

9. Roller or ball bearings, preferably the former. The bureau's

car is equipped with roller bearings, and, as a matter of fact, there

have been very few test cars built with ball bearings. A properly

designed roller or ball bearing aids materially in the use of the cars

in the test of a scale, and has the further advantage of helping to keep

the weight of the car more constant than would be possible with ordinary journal bearings.

I am very glad to be able to show at this time another view (fig.

15), which I feel is particularly appropriate for display at this meeting. This view shows the exterior of the Bureau of Standards

Master Scale Depot at Clearing, 111., just outside the city limits of

Chicago. The two test cars seen have just been calibrated on the

bureau's plate fulcrum master scale, and are being cleaned and

greased before being finally weighed and sent out again. These particular cars happen to be of Pennsylvania Railroad ownership.

In addition to housing the bureau's plate fulcrum master scale,

this building contains the laboratory and offices of that section of the

bureau which has to do with the testing of large-capacity scales. The

depot is also the headquarters of the bureau's three track and master

scale testing equipments.

It must be remembered that a test-weight car is actually and essentially a test weight. It is the only form of weight standard that can

be used satisfactorily in the testing of commercial track scales. It must weight at least 30,000 pounds, and preferably 40,000 pounds, and

it may weigh as much as 100,000 pounds. It must be so designed as

to vary as little as possible from its nominal weight during the periods

that necessarily intervene between calibrations on a master scale. It must be out in all kinds of weather. It must be hauled around .the country on the ends of freight trains and must be shunted through

yards. In short, it is necessarily subjected to abuse such as you gen-
140 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

tiemen would never consider permitting in the case of test weights

used in the testing of types of scales with which you ordinarily have

to deal. And in spite of all this, a test car is essentially a test weight,

and the only practical means of insuring the accuracy necessary in

the 9,000 or more track scales in the United States. During the past few years, as the performance characteristics of

different types of test-weight cars have become available for comparison, there has been a growing conviction that some distinction

should be made as between satisfactory and other types. In other

words, it was felt that the general requirements mentioned a few

moments ago were all right in themselves but did not go into suffi- cient detail. It was felt that some organization might "well go on

record with a detailed description of a satisfactory standard test- weight car—in other words, prepare a detailed code of specifications

for such cars. As the organization most interested, it was suggested

to the National Scale Men's Association that it might well initiate

this work, and the result was the preparation and adoption of the

specifications referred to. The National Scale Men's Association naturally based its specifications on the fundamental conception of a test-weight car as a portable test weight—an instrument entitled to the consideration becoming to formal standards of mass. It was felt that it would be

much better to base a code of specifications on this conception and

later amend them, if necessary, to conform to the views of practical car designers than it would be to ask the car designers to write a code

of specifications and then try to amend that code so as to make it describe a formal standard of mass. At the present time these specifications have the status of having

been adopted only by the National Scale Men's Association. It appears likely that before the specifications attain the desired standing

they will also have to be approved by both the engineering and mechanical divisions of the American Railway Association, and steps are now being taken to secure that approval.

The third accomplishment of the National Scale Men's Association

at its 1930 convention, and the last to be mentioned here, was the

adoption of a standard form for reporting track-scale tests. This

form is reproduced in the February, 1930, issue of the Scale Journal.

It is the first effort of its kind on the part of the National Scale Men's

Association, and sufficient time has not yet elapsed to determine how

universal the application of the form is likely to be or whether any

changes are likely to be made in it. In concluding these remarks, I would like to impress on this con- ference the fact that the National Scale Men's Association exists as a technical organization, interested exclusively in but one of the

matters in which you are interested, and from a somewhat different

angle, but carrying its activities in that field a great deal further

than would be possible or practicable for the conference. The asso- ciation will welcome and appreciate the counsel and assistance of

the conference in all matters of common interest, and takes this

opportunity of again assuring the conference of the sincerity of the

association in working toward a successful culmination of mutual

lines of effort.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 141

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON UNIFORMITY IN WEIGHTS AND

MEASURES REQUIREMENTS 7 Mr. Chairman and members of the conference, we, your committee

appointed to consider ways and means for bringing about a more

general uniformity in weights and measures regulations and require1. That members of the conference continue consideration of the

recommendations printed on page 116 of the Report of the TwentySecond National Conference on Weights and Measures.

2. That investigation as to further ways and means of bringing

about uniformity in weights and measures regulations and requirements be continued by sending out questionnaires to members of this

association in order to make a full report to the conference next year.

Mr. Holbrook. This report is signed by six of the seven members

of the committee. D. E. Fitzgerald, the other member of the committee, is not present at this conference. I understand that Mr.

Meek is preparing in the near future to send out certain questionnaires to the members of the conference, and I bespeak for him

prompt and adequate replies to the questions that he asks in order

that the subject may be fully developed.

(A motion was made and seconded that the report be accepted,

the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

GENERAL CONSIDERATION OF SUBJECTS OF INTEREST AND

QUESTIONS BROUGHT UP FOR DISCUSSION BY OFFICIALS

The Chairman. The next item is, " General consideration of subjects of interest and questions brought up for discussion by officials." I might add also, by others if they wish. At this time, gentlemen,

the opportunity is given to bring before the conference for consideration all subjects of interest which have not been included in the

formal program. If any persons have any matters which they

wish to bring to the attention of the conference, now is the time to do so.

t Mr. Neale. Mr. President, this may not exactly be the proper

time, but a friend and strong supporter of this conference, M. D.

Bibble, whom you all know, sends greetings from New Mexico.

Mr. Sweeney. Mr. Chairman, I wish to call the attention of the

conference at this time to a question arising in the testing of

taximeters.

# Formerly, when the front-wheel drive was employed, we had very

little difficulty in proving the correctness of the meters through a bench test, and under Massachusetts requirements a bench test is

(Signed) J. H. Meek, Chairman,

V. A. Stovall,

P. D. Dukesherer,

Philip T. Pdlon,

Albert B. Smith,

C. P. Smith,

Committee on Uniformity in Weights,

and Measures Requirements.

7 In the absence of Mr. Meek this report was read to the conference by F. S. Holbrook,

secretary.
142 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

required and must be given before a taximeter is affixed to the cab. Now that transmission drives are being employed we find that complications arise owing to the gears necessarily employed with this

type of drive, and that a bench test is almost valueless. I have made

some experiments in an effort to discover a real solution of this condition. I have made comparisons between various tests and checked

the number of revolutions per mile and have discovered that if you

accurately measure the circumference of the wheels, it may be possible to prove a meter by a wheel test and not necessarily make a road

test. Of course, this raises a very important question, as to whether

or not such a test would be deemed a correct one, meeting all legal

requirements, because, after all, a road test is the best and most logi- cal way to determine the correctness of a meter affixed to the

transmission drive. I feel that it might be the consensus of the conference, if my

observations and determinations have proved somewhat the correct- ness of the method, that the adoption of such a plan upon the part

of the sealers would have its approval, particularly in jurisdictions

where congestion on the roads is great. I merely mention that at this

time in the hope of securing, if possible, a little more cooperation on the part of the manufacturers of taximeters. Perhaps their

engineers can devise some method of test that will be correct and

save the sealer much work, particularly in those cities where they

have an abundance of work to do in that particular line. I feel it would be an especially good thing for the bureau to take this matter

up with the manufacturers of taximeters to the end that something

definite be brought about to save the sealers a lot of unnecessary

work and at the same time satisfy the public in general.

The Chairman. You have brought up an important matter. Is there any comment on Mr. Sweeney's remarks?

Does any other member or guest of the conference desire to bring

up any items ? RESIGNATION OF THE TREASURER, GEORGE F. AUSTIN

The Chairman. Before proceeding to the report of committee on

nominations and election of officers, I would like to read a letter I

have just received from our treasurer, George F. Austin, whom we

know very well indeed, and who has been treasurer of this conference

for a number of years. I regret that he finds it necessary to retire

from active duty as treasurer. Bureau of Weights and Measures,

1300 BeauUen Street, Detroit, Mich., June 1, 1930. Mr. President, Officers, and Members of the National Conference on Weights and Measures Assembled:

In consideration of my decision to retire from weights and measures activities in the near future, I herewith present my resignation as treasurer of

the National Conference.

It is with sincere regret that I feel compelled, at this time, to sever my

official connection in the National Conference, with which I have been actively associated for more than 20 years, and served as treasurer for the past six years.

I shall remember with pleasure the warm friendships which have come to me through these conferences, and I thank you for the many courtesies and

honors conferred upon me* Yours very truly,

George F. Austin. Treasurer.
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 143

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS, PRESENTED BY FRANCIS MEREDITH, CHAIRMAN, AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, your committee on nominations

respectfully submits the following names of members of the con- ference as nominees for officers and members of the executive committee for the ensuing year

:

Honorary president, S. W. Stratton; president, George K. Burgess; first vice president, Howard S. Jarrett; second vice president,

Albert B. Smith; secretary, F. S. Holbrook; treasurer, George F. Austin, jr.; members of executive committee, all of the officers ex

officio, W. F. Cluett, E. J. Crouch, H. N. Davis, C. V. Fickett,

Thomas Flaherty, J. H. Foley, William Foster, W. A. Graham,

S. T. Griffith, T. F. Mahoney, E. J. Maroney, I. L. Miller, C. R.

McFadden, W. A. Payne, B. W. Ragland, G. M. Roberts, W. F.

Steinel, V. A. Stovall, H. A. Webster, S. H. Wilson.

(At this point Mr. Meredith assumed the chair.)

The Acting Chairman. Gentlemen, you have heard the report of

the committee on nominations. What is your action ? (It was moved and seconded that the report of the committee be

accepted, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

(It was moved and seconded that the nominations be closed, and

that the secretary be directed to cast the ballot of the conference

for the officers and members of the executive committee, as nominated, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to. Accordingly, the secretary cast the ballot of the conference for

the officers and members of the executive committee as nominated

by the committee on nominations, and they were declared duly

elected.)

The Acting Chairman. Doctor Burgess, it gives me the greatest

pleasure on behalf of the conference to escort you to the chair.

(Doctor Burgess assumed the chair.)

Doctor Burgess. Gentlemen, as president-elect of this conference

I feel in a very great measure the obligation imposed. I also have

a great feeling of appreciation that you have sufficient confidence in

the Director of the Bureau of Standards to elect him again to this

office. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS, PRESENTED BY

ALBERT B. SMITH, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Chairman and members of the conference, your committee on resolutions has the following resolutions to submit for your

consideration

:

ADDRESS OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE!, HON. JULIUS KLEIN

Resolved, That the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and

Measures hereby extends to Dr. Julius Klein, Assistant Secretary of Commerce,

its thanks and appreciation for his attendance at this conference and for the

excellent address delivered thereat.

Resolved, That we, the delegates to the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, extend to the Hon. Randolph Perkins, chairman of the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, of the House of RepreADDRESS OF HON. RANDOLPH PERKINS
144 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

sentatives of the Congress of the United States, our sincere appreciation and

thanks for his very inspiring and instructive address and for his continued

interest and assistance in our work.

APPRECIATION TO THE DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Resolved, That the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and

Measures hereby records its sincere and grateful appreciation for the valuable

assistance extended by our president, Dr. George K. Burgess, and his able

staff, in the interest and guidance of its deliberations. RETIREMENT OF GEORGE F. AUSTIN Whereas Inspector George F. Austin, chief of the weights and measures

department of Detroit, has advised the conference of his decision to retire from

weights and measures work; and

Whereas Inspector Austin's career has been a long, faithful, and eminently

satisfactory one, during which he has furnished a splendid service to the

public of his city ; and

Whereas Inspector Austin has long been an eminent member of this con- ference and has served it faithfully as its treasurer : Therefore be it Resolved, That we, the delegates to this Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, assembled in Washington, D. C, June 3 to 6, 1930. hereby record our regret at the retirement of Inspector Austin from our councils and wish him enjoyment in his well-merited rest after an arduous career. CHEMICALLY-TREATED COAL

Resolved, That we, the delegates to the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, assembled at Washington, D. C, June 3 to 6, 1930. declare it to be our opinion at this time that the so-called calcium chloride method of treating coal to make it dustless is not objectionable from a weights

and measures standpoint, when by this process the weight of the coal is not increased by more than 30 pounds per ton, and when, in addition, the

coal so treated is described on the delivery ticket and billed to the consumer

as " chemically treated " coal. LUBRICATING-OIL BOTTLES NOT COMPLYING WITH SPECIFICATIONS Whereas lubricating-oil dispensing bottles have been placed in service in many parts of the country which far exceed the over-all height allowable by

the lubricating-oil bottle code, and which do not comply with its requirements

for capacity markings; and

Whereas exemption from compliance with the code is claimed on the basis that the bottles are containers and not measures, because of the fact that the

oil is measured into the bottles and the bottles then sealed ; and

Whereas the oil is not delivered to the customer as in the case of other packaged commodities but is transferred to the engine crank case by the

station attendant in the usual manner : Therefore be it Resolved, That it is the opinion of the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures that these bottles are. in effect, measures, and that they

may be readily employed to deceive and to perpetrate fraud upon the cus- tomer ; and be it further Resolved, That the conference strongly disapproves these bottles and any

others for use in dispensing lubricating oils which do not comply with the

code. MOLDS AND MACHINE-FILLED CARTONS FOR ICE CREAM

Whereas a general conference of producers, distributors, and users of molds

and machine-filled cartons for brick ice cream, held in Washington, D. C,

under the auspices of the division of simplified practice of the Bureau of Standards, adopted the following simplified schedule of dimensions for the

2-gallon mold and for machine-filled pint and quart cartons for brick ice cream

;
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 145

Two-gallon mold

Length Width Depth 26 inches 6^4 inches 2% inches

Machine-filled cartons TINT

No. 1 U. S. standard, 3 A by 3y2 by 244 inches No. 2 U. S. standard, 2i7u by S% by 3 if inches QUART

No. 1 U. S. standard, 2ih by 3y2 by 6% inches No. 2 U. S. standard, 2A by 3% by 7% inches and

Whereas these sizes as adopted are standard sizes and provide an oversize margin to allow for the parchment or waxed-paper liner of the carton ; and

Whereas the above action will result in a very desirable simplification of

sizes and dimensions : Therefore be it Resolved, That we, the delegates to the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, assembled in Washington, D. C, June 3 to 6, 1930, hereby go on record as approving at this time the sizes mentioned above when

used for dispensing ice cream by measure.

APPRECIATION TO MANUFACTURERS DEMONSTRATING GASOLINE METERS Whereas much valuable information concerning the construction and operation of meters employed in retailing petroleum products was furnished through

the courtesy of the various meter manufacturers : Therefore be it Resolved, That we, the delegates to the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, held in Washington, D. C June 3 to 6, 1930, do hereby

extend our most grateful appreciation for their valuable assistance and for the information disseminated. COMMENDATION TO FAR WESTERN STATES FOR REPRESENTATION AT CONFERENCE

Resolved, That the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, in assembly met, does hereby thank and especially commend the Far

Western States which have sent representatives to this conference, thereby

showing their interest in our work ; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the States in question. GEORGE WASHINGTON BICENTENNIAL Whereas the Congress of the United States has created a commission to ar- range a fitting nation-wide observance of the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington in 1932 ; and

Whereas the commission so created, composed of the President of the United

States, the Vice President of the United States, the Speaker of the House of

Representatives, four Members of the United States Senate, four Members of the House of Representatives, and eight citizens appointed by the President of the United States, is charged with the duty of planning and directing the cele- bration ; and

Whereas the high purpose of the event is to commemorate the life, character,

and achievements of the most illustrious citizen of our Republic and to give every man, woman, and child living under the Stars and Stripes an opportunity

to take part in the celebration which will be outstanding in the world's history ; and

Whereas the George Washington Bicentennial Commission, desiring the full cooperation of the people in the United States, has extended a most cordial and

urgent invitation to our organization to participate in the celebration: There*

fore be it 24342°—31 11
146 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Resolved, That the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures does hereby indorse the program of observance of the Two-Hundredth

Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington, to take place in 1932, accept

with appreciation, the invitation of the George Washington Bicentennial Commission, and pledge this organization to extend earnest cooperation to the United

States Commission in all possible ways, so that future generations of American

citizens may be inspired to live according to the example and precepts of Washington's exalted life and character, and thus perpetuate the American Republic

;

and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be incorporated in the official proceedings of

this meeting and that a copy thereof be transmitted to the George Washington

Bicentennial Commission, Washington, D. C. APPEECIATION TO HEADQUARTERS HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Resolved, That we, the delegates to the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, hereby tender our thanks and appreciation to the management of the Hotel Washington, our conference headquarters, for the many

courtesies extended the delegates during our meeting. APPRECIATION TO THE PRESS

Resolved, That the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures hereby extends the thanks and appreciation of the Conference to the press of Washington, D. C, for the publicity given its proceedings.

DISCUSSION OF REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS

The Chairman. You have heard this very interesting report of

the committee on resolutions. Do you wish to consider the report of

the committee as a whole ? What is your pleasure ? Mr. Mahn. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask Mr. Smith one

question in relation to the resolution on ice-cream containers. He

read the figures, but I do not know exactly how those figure out in

terms of capacity. We had some trouble in my county with the pint

brick which was put into a container which was much larger than

the brick itself. Almost everybody thought they were receiving

short measure. I do not think the container should be so much oversize as to have that effect. Mr. Holbrook. I am somewhat familiar with those containers

adopted, and I may say, in general, that the 2-gaJlon mold is 1.1 per

cent oversize and the machine-filled cartons are from 1.8 to 3.9 per

cent oversize. These cartons were made intentionalty large for this reason : When the container is used, a wax-paper lining is normally

included, and were the container to be of the exact size, the ice cream contained therein would be short by the volume occupied by

the paper liner. Therefore, these containers were standardized oversize in order to take care of that situation and furnish the proper

amount of ice cream to the consumer.

I might also state that these cartons are machine filled. The ice cream is put in the carton when in a semisolid state and is frozen

in the carton. That will result in a completely filled package in

every case. (It was moved and seconded that the resolutions presented by the

committee be adopted, the question was taken, and the motion was

agreed to.)
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 147

RESOLUTION IN RELATION TO STANDARDIZATION ACTIVITIES OF

THE NATIONAL SCALE MEN'S ASSOCIATION

Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Chairman, may I introduce at this time an

additional resolution, as follows:

Whereas M. J. J. Harrison, representing the National Scale Men's Association, has outlined to this conference several standardization activities of that

association, and it appears that these activities are both important and meritorious ones : Therefore be it Resolved, That we, the delegates to the Twenty-third National Conference on Weights and Measures, assembled at Washington, D. C, June 3 to 6, 1930, do hereby extend our congratulations to the National Scale Men's Association

upon tnese accomplishments, record our appreciation of the excellent paper

presented, and assure this association of our continued cooperation in activities such as these. (The resolution was duly adopted.)

REPORT OF THE TREASURER, GEORGE F. AUSTIN 8 Gentlemen of the conference, I herewith submit my report as treasurer of the National Conference on Weights and Measures for

the year ending June 3, 1930.

Receipts

:

Balance on hand June 3, 1929 $306. 24

Received through fees from delegates 179. 00

Received account of interest 14. 77

Total receipts 500.01 Disbursements

:

Flowers in memory of L. A. Fischer $10. 00 Flowers for Mr. Knauss 10.00 Flowers for A. W. Schwartz 5.00

Cigars, Mr. Knauss, reporting conference 15. 00 For special services incident to the conference 7. 0O

Candy for stenographers 9. 00 Four receipt books 1.00

Total disbursements 57.00 Balance on hand June 3, 1930 443. 01

Respectfully submitted. (Signed) Geo. F. Austin, Treasurer. (The report was duly accepted.)

Mr. Schwartz. It is very seldom that one sits in a conference

and listens to a bill being offered for flowers for himself. This time, I certainly do want to extend my appreciation and thanks to my conference friends for flowers received by me while I was confined to a hospital by illness last July. I am glad to be able to be here, and

I am glad I was able to appreciate the flowers sent. WREATH IN MEMORY OF LOUIS A. FISCHER

Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Chairman, may I state that in accordance with

our usual custom Ralph Smith and myself visited Arlington Cemetery just before Memorial Day and placed the tribute of this con- ference on the grave of our beloved former secretary, Maj. Louis A.

Fischer.

8 In the absence of Geo. F. Austin this report was presented to the conference by George

F. Austin, jr.
148 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

MOTION IN RELATION TO EXPENDITURES

Mr. Schwartz. I move you, sir, that the secretary of the confer- ence be authorized to make the customary expenditures incident to

this conference and to draw upon the conference treasurer for the

funds so expended.

(The motion was seconded, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

SUGGESTION AS TO PROGRAM OF TWENTY-FOURTH CONFERENCE

The Chairman. This item on the program is one which makes for

the success of the next conference. The Chair feels that this con- ference has been particularly successful and very interesting. We

have had some very lively sessions, the opportunity has been given

for free discussion, and we have accomplished a great deal. Now is the time for anyone having a suggestion to make for the coming con- ference to present it. If ideas do not come to you at the present

moment, but when you return home you think of any special problems, write in and inform the executive committee.

I would like to ask if the date is satisfactory. I appreciate that

you had a warm welcome, but you save money by having it in June

rather than at the end of May.

DESIRABILITY OF SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR PERSON-WEIGHING

SCALES

Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Chairman, for the guidance of the Committee

on Specifications and Tolerances in their work during the coming

year I would like to develop the consensus of the conference as to the

advisability of drawing up a code of specifications and tolerances

for person-weighing scales to be presented at the next meeting. Is there a demand on the part of the members of the conference for a code of that kind? You will realize that while we have adopted a code for automatic-indicating scales there are many special considerations in relation to person-weighing scales that will make it necessary to adopt a special code, if you desire to have uniformity

of regulations pertaining to these scales. Do any of the members

desire to express an opinion on the necessity for a code of that

kind?

Mr. Foster. I think the suggestion is a very good one. As far as we are concerned, we have such a code in Massachusetts. It would

be very helpful.

Mr. Meredith. I am very much in favor of the idea. In con- sidering devices of this kind, if there is no special code, it very fre- quently becomes necessary to reach out to other codes and give a good deal of consideration to the question of selecting such specifications therefrom as appear to be applicable. If I understand the

suggestion correctly, it would simplify the matter by providing for a code directly concerned with the subject mentioned. I am very

much in favor of it. Mr. A. B. Smith. Pennsylvania would welcome such action on the

part of your committee.

Mr. Sweeney. Mr. President, in view of the fact that it seems to be the consensus of opinion that the various States are in favor of
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 149

such action, I move you, sir, that the Committee on Specifications

and Tolerances be instructed to proceed to draw up a code for personweighing machines, to be presented at the next conference to be

held in 1931. (The motion was seconded, the question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.)

Mr. Austin. In connection with the motion to have a code presented on the person-weighing scales, I think it would be a good

thing. Unfortunate conditions exist throughout the country in con- nection with these devices. I know we get calls quite often and we

are impressed by conditions as they actually exist. In walking about,

your weight may appear to vary from 1 to 5 pounds in 15 minutes.

A code ought to be of material benefit. Mr. Meredith. It occurs to me, Mr. President, to wonder whether

or not the subject ought to be enlarged upon somewhat. The term

" coin-operated scales " is sometimes used, and this class, while

involving person-weighing scales, is somewhat broader, since such

a scale might provide some other service. This might be given consideration in connection with the discussion.

Mr. Griffith. Mr. President, if we confined the matter to the coinoperated scale, that would not necessarily cover the person-weighingmachines, because a great many institutions provide these free for

the use of their patients, but still I think they might be included in

such a code.

The Chairman. Is there any other suggestion for the next con- ference ? Of course, you understand that the conference is in your own

hands. You should suggest what you want to talk about, and you

will have an opportunity between now and two months before the

next conference to bring in suggestions.

Mr. Holbrook. The conference has a very courteous invitation

extended by Dr. L. S. Rowe, Director General of the Pan American

Union, to visit and examine the Pan American Building. Unfortunately there was no time available to allow us to go there as a body,

but I am very sure that the persons in charge would be very happy

to receive you singly in the event that you have time this afternoon

to visit the building. I may say that it is one of the most beautiful

buildings in Washington and will well repay an inspection.

The Chairman. Is there any further business^ gentlemen?

(A motion was made and seconded that the conference adjourn, the

question was taken, and the motion was agreed to.

)

(Thereupon, at 11.45 o'clock a. m., the Twenty-Third National

Conference on Weights and Measures adjourned sine die.)
APPENDIX

SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR AUTOMATIC-INDICATING

SCALES, ADOPTED BY THE TWENTY-THIRD NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, JUNE 5, 1930

FOREWORD

The Twenty-Third National Conference on Weights and Measures

adopted the following code of specifications and tolerances with the

recommendation that it be put into effect not earlier than July 1, 1931. SPECIFICATIONS AND .TOLERANCES

Definition.—An automatic-indicating scale is a scale in which is embodied or to which is attached a self-acting mechanism, the capacity of which may be equal to or less than the total capacity of the

scale, through the agency of which the indicated or recorded weights

of variable loads may be obtained. This definition is not to be con- strued to include scales which automatically weigh out commodities

in predetermined drafts, such as automatic grain hopper scales, packaging scales, etc. Automatic-indicating scales may be of any one of

the following types as classified and defined in these codes of specifications and tolerances : Platform scales (including counter platform

scales), counter scales, spring scales, straight-face spring scales, and

computing scales. Each automatic-indicating scale shall be subject

to the following specifications and to those given under the heading

" Scales—General Specifications "; and in addition each scale falling

within the definition of any of the classes mentioned above shall be

subject to the specifications for such class except in so far as they

may be modified by the specifications herein.

Specifications.—1. The weight dial or reading face, or the indicator, whichever is designed as the stationary element, shall be

securely fixed in position; the moving element of the combination

shall be securely attached to its operating mechanism: Provided,

however, That this specification shall not be construed to prohibit the

employment of a movable auxiliary dial or reading face or a movable

auxiliary indicator designed to be rotated or moved in reference to a

fixed dial or reading face or a fixed indicator, respectively, for the

purpose of " balancing out " tare weights.

2. All weight graduations on the dial or reading face shall be clear

and distinct and in no case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch nor more than the width of the clear interval between the graduations. Corresponding graduations shall be equal in width. Main

graduations shall not be more than 50 per cent wider than subordinate

graduations.

3. There shall be a clear interval between the weight graduations on the dial or reading face and this interval shall in no case be less than 0.04 inch. This interval is to be measured between the adjacent

150
TWENTY-THIRD CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 151

edges of successive graduations representing the smallest subdivision on the dial or reading face, and along the line of travel of the index

of the indicator and shall be maintained whether or not the graduations are " staggered " or arranged alternately ; that is, when the

graduations are staggered the interval shall be construed to be the

space from one graduation to the next consecutive graduation ex- tended, if necessary, to intersect the line of measurement. When

the graduations are not parallel the interval shall be construed to be the widest separation of the graduations which is included within

the travel of the index of the indicator.

4. The value of the minimum graduation on the dial or reading

face shall be construed to be the smallest weight value represented

by the travel of the indicator from the center of any graduation to the center of the next succeeding graduation.

5. An automatic-indicating scale shall have a definite and clear zero graduation and shall be susceptible of giving an indication back

of the zero graduation sufficient clearly to disclose an out-of-balance

condition. These conditions shall be fulfilled whether the entire dial or reading face is graduated or the graduations commence at a fixed

load.

6. All weight indicators shall be so designed and constructed that

the indications are definite and may be read with precision.

7. All weight indicators shall reach to the graduations; or if the

construction is such that the indicator and the dial or reading face are in the same plane then there shall not be a separation of the

ends of the graduations and the end of the indicator, of more than

0.04 inch, this distance to be measured along the line of the graduations.

8. When a weight indicator extends along the entire length of a graduation then all that portion of the indicator which may be

brought into coincidence with the graduation shall be the same width

throughout.

9. The clearance between the index of the indicator and the dial or reading face shall not exceed 0.06 inch in the case of all automaticindicating scales except spring scales not equipped with a device in- tended to compensate for changes in the elasticity of the springs due

to temperature effects; in this latter class of scales this clearance

shall not exceed 0.12 inch. Provided, however, That this shall not

be construed to prohibit the employment of an additional indicator

at a greater distance from the dial or reading face, designed and

constructed so as to facilitate the correct positioning of the eye of

the observer properly to read the indications of the scale and reduce

parallax, when such additional indicator is clearly differentiated

from the weight indicator so that it will not be mistaken therefor.

10. When tests are being made with both increasing and decreasing loads on any automatic-indicating scale, the indications on all increasing loads shall be within the normal tolerances provided, and

also at any stage of the test the range between corresponding observations for increasing and decreasing loads shall not be greater

than the sum of the tolerances in excess and in deficiency for the load

in question.

11. An automatic-indicating scale shall be so designed and constructed that the element supplying the counterforce, such as the
152 BUREAU OF STANDARDS

spring, the pendulum, etc., is securely held in adjustment and this

element shall not be adjustable from the outside of the scale; that is, a partial disassembling of the scale mechanism or of the housing

shall be required to reach any adjustable parts provided. (This

specification does not refer to the means commonly provided for adjusting the zero balance condition of a scale.)

Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described above, the

tolerances to be allowed on any automatic-indicating scale shall be

the tolerances allowed on the class to which the scale under test belongs; these will be found under the specific heading embracing

such class. o